Huygens’ Foggy Telescopes
Research suggests that Christiaan Huygens, the 17th-century Dutch astronomer known for his studies of the moons and rings of Saturn, may have needed glasses. This is because the telescopes he designed were not as precise as those crafted by his peers. The research indicates that Huygens’ telescopic lenses magnified his view of the universe, making distant objects appear clear to him but not to others.
Scents of Ancient Times
What did ancient Romans smell like? Chemical analyses of a 2000-year-old perfume bottle found in the tomb of a noblewoman indicate a familiar earthy scent: patchouli. Patchouli oil permeates modern perfumes, but its use in ancient Rome was unknown. Usually, extracts of ancient perfumes degrade and lose their history. However, the quartz bottle was found intact with a seal of pitch that absorbed some fragrance molecules, preserving it for thousands of years.
Counterfeit Combat
Infrared and X-ray examinations of over 600 banknotes produced by Benjamin Franklin’s prolific printing press showed colorful threads and shiny metallic remnants. Researchers say the additives used to combat counterfeiting and increase the durability of banknotes helped establish the standard for paper currency in colonial America.
Deciphering Beethoven’s Code
The DNA of composer Ludwig van Beethoven supports what many historians have suspected: that the composer died from liver failure. Until now, the theory relied heavily on reports that Beethoven drank heavily before his death in 1827. While reconstructing Beethoven’s DNA from hair samples, researchers found that he also had a genetic predisposition for liver disease. The composer also suffered from a viral infection from hepatitis B, which increased his susceptibility to liver damage.
Wrapped in Smoke
The Industrial Revolution may have shaped Impressionist art – literally. Analysis of over 100 paintings by artists like Claude Monet and Joseph Mallord William Turner showed that changes in contrast, color, and visibility tracked over time with increasing air pollution in London and Paris. Particles in smog absorb and scatter light, reducing contrast and making colors appear whiter. As air pollution worsened in the 19th century, Impressionist paintings became hazier and more blurred, just as the artists’ views of their subjects did.
These are some of the remarkable scientific discoveries unveiled in 2023. Science sometimes gives us a clearer glimpse into the distant past and opens windows into the lives and times of ancient Romans, Impressionist painters, and other historical figures. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of history and enhance our knowledge of the ancient world and its impact on the present.
Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/science-history-stories-2023
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