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From the beginnings of history, with gnomons and sundials, through to the twenty-first century and the 26-kilometre underground particle accelerator, the author describes the way that the design and production of scientific instruments has extended the frontiers of science. Man's desire to understand the universe has led to the making of more and more sophisticated instruments - first to record and measure (Arab numerals, standardised measures), to examine ever more minutely (the microscope, the lens, the prism), on through electromagnets, cathode tubes, thermometers, vacuum pumps, X-rays, counters and accelerators, semi-conductors and microprocessors, down to new instruments now being designed to observe matter at zero temperatures - presenting immense technological problems in the requirement for instruments that can operate in conditions where normal properties no longer hold. Accessible popular science Since Longitude general public curiosity in scientific instruments has continued to grow Vivid pen-portraits of past scientists and inventors