Workings of Ancient Calculating Device Deciphered

palegray.net writes "Scientists have discovered new meaning behind the functions of the Antikythera Mechanism, which has been referred to as the oldest known analog computing device. In addition to providing a means to calculate the dates for solar eclipses, the device apparently tracked the four-year cycles of the Olympiad. From the New York Times article: 'Only now, applying high-resolution imaging systems and three-dimensional X-ray tomography, have experts been able to decipher inscriptions and reconstruct functions of the bronze gears on the mechanism. The latest research has revealed details of dials on the instrument's back side, including the names of all 12 months of an ancient calendar.'"

Comments

Meh.

[jesdynf]

They also had a device capable of telling you WHERE the Olympics would be held -- it's very elegant. You just have everyone who wants to host the Olympics bring a lot of gold to one place, and you place each person's amount of gold on the device. The device measures the relative merits of holding the Olympics at any particular place.