Via Ross Scaife at the Stoa: “Unwrapping the Secrets of Damaged Manuscripts.”
Basically, using a combination of medical imaging technology and sophisticated reconstruction algorithms, researchers are able to scan an object such as a closed scroll or a crumpled wad of paper in three dimensions and then virtually unroll or unwrap it to reveal writing or other marks on the interior surfaces. Without disturbing the original. This work is being led by Brent Seales in the computer science department at the University of Kentucky; I knew Brent when I was there, and he’s clearly one of two or three people at the forefront of digital library imaging. Apparently he’s also now known as “Audible Gasp,” for the reaction this work provoked when presented to an audience of archivists.
Update: No, I mean it: this really is the coolest thing ever. I mean, you got a better candidate? If so, post it!
Posted by mgk at December 19, 2004 03:55 PMNo...you're right. That seriously is the coolest thing ever. When I saw it my jaw just dropped. What a great use of technology.
Posted by: Orin at December 20, 2004 08:54 PM | Link to CommentGoogle Keyhole, no contest
1. any kid with a PC and a decent video card can fly around the world.
2. don't have to be a scientist to use it.
3. 7-day trial, $29 for a year subscription
Posted by: willc2 at January 2, 2005 08:11 AM | Link to CommentKeyhole *is* cool. Not sure it's *quite* as cool as imaging the inside of a scroll and virtually unrolling same, but it's a contender.
Posted by: MGK at January 2, 2005 11:06 PM | Link to CommentThe British Museum has done something similar (or maybe it uses the same technology, I'm not sure) in "unwrapping" a mummy. I do voluntary work there and yesterday had an excited kid of 6 or 7 telling me all about it. She'll grow up to be an archaeologist or historian now, I'd reckon.
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/mummy/