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Buffons burning mirrors, artwork
Buffons burning mirrors. Coloured historical artwork of an experiment carried out by the French naturalist Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-1788) in Paris, France, in 1740. Buffon (in hat at upper left) had read of the defence of Syracuse, by the Greek mathematician Archimedes (287-212 BC). Archimedes had supposedly used mirrors and the Suns rays to set fire to the attacking Roman fleet. Buffon used 168 mirrors, each measuring 15 centimetres by 20 centimetres, to successfully ignite wooden logs at a distance of 50 metres. He concluded that Archimedes could have defended Syracuse using a similar system
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6314437
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 18th Century Archimedes Burning Colored Comte De Buffon Drawing Experiment Experimenting Fire Focus France French History Of Science Mirror Mirrors Naturalist Outdoors Reflected Scientist Spectator Spectators Sun Light Thirties Watching Weapon 1740 Focussed Physical Recreating
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Bring some life into your office, or create a heartfelt gift, with a personalised deluxe Mouse Mat. Made of high-density black foam with a tough, stain-resistant inter-woven cloth cover they will brighten up any home or corporate office.
Archive quality photographic print in a durable wipe clean mouse mat with non slip backing. Works with all computer mice
Estimated Product Size is 24.2cm x 19.7cm (9.5" x 7.8")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork, titled "Buffon's Burning Mirrors" transports us back to a significant scientific experiment conducted by the renowned French naturalist Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. Taking place in Paris, France, in 1740, this historical event was inspired by Archimedes' legendary defense of Syracuse against the Romans. Intrigued by Archimedes' alleged use of mirrors and sunlight to set fire to enemy ships, Buffon decided to recreate this ancient feat. The vividly colored illustration showcases Buffon himself wearing a hat at the upper left corner while intently observing his groundbreaking experiment. Surrounding him are 168 mirrors measuring 15 centimeters by 20 centimeters each. With meticulous precision and unwavering focus, Buffon successfully ignited wooden logs positioned an impressive distance of 50 meters away using only the concentrated power of reflected sunlight. This remarkable achievement led him to conclude that Archimedes could indeed have defended Syracuse using a similar system. The artwork beautifully captures the essence of scientific exploration during the eighteenth century. It portrays not only Buffon as a dedicated scientist but also curious spectators who eagerly observe this groundbreaking demonstration unfold before their eyes. Through this mesmerizing image from Science Photo Library's collection, we are reminded of humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge throughout history and how one man's curiosity can ignite new realms of discovery.
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