1-158-285 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

'A General Display of Arts and Sciences', 1790. At first glance it seems that ancient science and technology is depicted, but a closer look shows not only Pythagoras (6th century BC) demonstrating his theorem and Archimedes (c287-212 BC) demonstrating the power of the lever, but later discoveries and inventions including the air pump, barometer, magic lantern, perspective, Sebastien le Prestre de Vauban's (1633-1707) system of fortification, and a hot air balloon. Frontispiece from The New Royal Encyclopaedia. (London, 1790).