[Woodcarver] woodcarving history...

[Ivan Whillock]

Hi Sally,

You do raise some interesting points.  There may have been some religious or
magical overtones in the early miniaturization.

Roger Bacon is credited by some for  the magnifying glass in 1250, though
evidence suggests that it was around long before that.
In those days scientific experiment was in its infancy.  There was a fine
line between science and alchemy, and many of the establishment resisted the
challenges to the established order that science brought about.

I would guess that miniaturization was something akin to magic in one point
of view and the miraclulous in another.   It accomplished "impossible"
tasks, such as writing the Lord's prayer in letters too small to be seen
with the naked eye.

Roger Bacon was jailed for a time--though I don't recall specifically
why--witchcraft or something like that.
----- Original Message -----
From: "sally nye" <sarolyn at accn.org>
To: "[Woodcarver]" <woodcarver at six.pairlist.net>
Sent: Friday, January 07, 2005 8:53 AM
Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] woodcarving history...


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> Thanks Ivan, I needed that.  And thanks to all who replied to my
> enquiry.  The one thing I do know for sure is that I will "not" be
> taking up this type of carving.  I admire Maricha for doing Netsuke.
>
> I have seen making a chain out of pencil lead & toothpicks.  It is
> fascinating but nothing I need to pursue.
>
> I always think that our tools are more perfected in this century...that
> we have progressed with time.  I'm not sure I believe that know.  I do
> know that I've driven over very safe & sound Roman bridges that don't
> need repair every other year.  The work of the Medici still stands in
> awe of crowds.  I'd better not continue on this thought pattern or I'll
> soon come to think we are a doomed society.  LOL.
> Sally
> http://www.fancarversworld.com
>
> On Jan 6, 2005, at 6:51 PM, Ivan Whillock wrote:
> Hi Sally,
>
> The magnifying glass has been around a long time--in Europe since 1250,
> nearsightedness longer than that:).
>
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