Scientific illustration c. 16th century

Editor: This anonymous scientific illustration from the Harvard Art Museums shows what appears to be early lab equipment. The printmaking technique really highlights the materiality of these tools. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating diagram of early chemical processes, foregrounding the labor and physical tools involved. Consider the material cost of the brick, metal, and fuel required for such experiments. This isn't just about ideas; it's about consumption. What do you think that says about the pursuit of knowledge at this time? Editor: It emphasizes that knowledge creation wasn't purely intellectual, it was resource-intensive and tied to material realities. Thank you! Curator: Precisely! Reflecting on it now, it really blurs the line between alchemy, craft, and nascent scientific methodology.