MIRROR, MIRROR!
A history of the human love affair with reflections
By Mark Pondergrast
Out of all man’s inventions, the mirror is the one most closely associated with our consciousness. As the first technology for the contemplation of the self, its invention compliments one of the fundamental attributes that sets us apart from other animals – self awareness. It can surely be said to be the equal of the wheel in importance. Possibly more so as giant optically perfect mirrors now enable us to peer into the heavens, through the space and time back to the genesis of the universe. The Romans created mirrored rooms for their orgies and the ancient Aztecs created mirrors with which to light fires. What is the truth in the tale of Archimedes burning mirror and did it really set fire to a fleet of roman ships? Venetian mirror makers were compelled to live on a cloistered island, escape from which was punishable by death, and Isaac Newton blinded himself for days following experiments with mirrors and intense sunlight. Then we move into the present and the technology and skill which are required so as to produce the absolutely perfect reflectors for the biggest most powerful telescopes and of course when it does not quite works as happened with the Hubble’s mirror. A fascinating tale of how a reflective surface - which means nothing without an observer – has affected religion, science, psychology and the arts.
A history of the human love affair with reflections
By Mark Pondergrast
Out of all man’s inventions, the mirror is the one most closely associated with our consciousness. As the first technology for the contemplation of the self, its invention compliments one of the fundamental attributes that sets us apart from other animals – self awareness. It can surely be said to be the equal of the wheel in importance. Possibly more so as giant optically perfect mirrors now enable us to peer into the heavens, through the space and time back to the genesis of the universe. The Romans created mirrored rooms for their orgies and the ancient Aztecs created mirrors with which to light fires. What is the truth in the tale of Archimedes burning mirror and did it really set fire to a fleet of roman ships? Venetian mirror makers were compelled to live on a cloistered island, escape from which was punishable by death, and Isaac Newton blinded himself for days following experiments with mirrors and intense sunlight. Then we move into the present and the technology and skill which are required so as to produce the absolutely perfect reflectors for the biggest most powerful telescopes and of course when it does not quite works as happened with the Hubble’s mirror. A fascinating tale of how a reflective surface - which means nothing without an observer – has affected religion, science, psychology and the arts.
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