Cambridge University Lecture

Thursday, March 28, 2019 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Historic Treasures in a High-tech University

Cambridge University Library holds one of the world’s great collections, covering three millennia of history. It can trace the development of science from the first written record of an eclipse (on a Shang dynasty oracle bone) to Newton’s own copy of his masterpiece, "Principia Mathematica," and Darwin’s scribbled musings on the origin of life in a letter to a friend.

Cutting edge techniques borrowed from the University’s science community – from 3D photography and multispectral imaging to algorithms for network analysis – are allowing us to shed new light on the Library’s bibliographic treasures. But at the same time, the University’s science community is setting its own challenges. How do we preserve the workings and musing of today’s Newton and Darwin for future generations? How will datasets and emails be accessed in the coming centuries?

Join Dr Jessica Gardner, the University Librarian and Director of Library Services, to find out the secrets being revealed in Cambridge’s manuscripts and rare books, and to hear how the library is caring for the treasures of the future. No charge for Grolier Club members, but reservations required through Cambridge. RSVP at [email protected], and indicate that you are a Grolier member.