The History of Science and Technology

The History of Science and Technology answers all the what, when, why, and how questions about our world"s greatest discoveries and inventions: How are bridges built? When were bifocal eyeglasses invented and by whom? What medical discovery led to the introduction of sterilization, vaccines, and antibiotics? Not only can you discover how our world came to be and how it works, but with cross-referenced entries you can also trace many intricate and exciting connections across time. Highly browsable yet richly detailed, expertly researched and indexed, This is the perfect desktop reference for both the science novice and the technologically advanced reader alike.

Space: A Journey To Our Future

"Space: A Journey to Our Future" highlights current projects in space exploration -satellites, space telescopes, living in space- and provides a glimpse to future human space travel. The most advanced interactive displays and state-of-the-art projection and audio technology are used to bring the story to life.

Highlights of “Space: A Journey to Our Future” include: the Lunar Base Camp where visitors can experience what it would be like to live on the moon; an up-close look at NASA’s Constellation Program and a model of the Orion, the spacecraft that will take human explorers back to the moon; an illustrated timeline of NASA’s 50 years of space exploration; and the multimedia 360-degree “Future Theatre.”

"Space: A Journey to Our Future" is a traveling exhibit developed by Evergreen Exhibitions presented at the National Air and Space Museum courtesy of NASA on its 50th anniversary.

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, General Motors, and Lockheed Martin.

Reflections on the Blank Slate

Nature vs Nurture. Everyone seems to agree that the issue is dead and buried, yet the debate continues. Recently John Dupre gave a short talk on the subject followed by a Q & A. It was held at the Live Theatre in Newcastle. Dupre is Professor of Philosophy of Science and Head of Sociology at the University of Exeter.

Author and journalist, Matt Ridley was the host of a public discussion with author Steven Pinker as part of the University of Newcastle's public lecture programme. Pinker is Professor of Psychology at MIT.

Professor Pinker especially, has pushed the debate into the mainstream with his recent book 'The Blank Slate'. In it he argues that there are many myths operating in society that can be traced directly to a subtle but fervent belief in three discredited notions. He calls these a belief in the "Blank Slate", the "Noble Savage" and the "Ghost in the Machine". This website is as good an introduction as any which may pursuade you to read further.