The Astronomer's Mirror
John Dee, the polymath and advisor to Elizabeth I, bridged the gap between science and magic. In the late 16th century, he travelled in the circles of astronomy and chemistry as well as occult and alchemical philosophy, helping to define the field of science at the earliest stages of its emergence.
The British Museum, which owns several items of Dee's collection, has completed a study on a peculiar relic, the obsidian spirit mirror. Later in life, Dee was obsessed with speaking with otherworldly forces; this mirror was said to have the divination power to allow communication with fantastical beings. This item is quite similar to Aztec glass found an ocean away, which was thought to be used to speak to the dead.
With the use of X-ray technology, the museum determined that the chemical make up of the obsidian in Dee's glass actually matches obsidian found in Mexico, confirming this connection isn't coincidence. It's likely that Dee, who's interest in the Americas is well known, wished to collect and study this item for himself, fascinated with the cultures of the New World. We can't help but see a bit of ourselves in Dee, as a fellow scientist and collector. You can read more about Dee and his mirror in this great article from the Smithsonian!
Featured Product
Trunk or Treat Woolly Mammoth T-Shirt
Latest News
-
Nov 01, 2025 Is “Paul is Dead” Dead?: Unpacking One Of Pop Culture’s Most Enduring Conspiracy Theories Read More -
Oct 31, 2025 Scientists Discover Hooves and Skin in Preserved Dinosaur "Mummies!" Read More -
Oct 27, 2025 Scientists Record a Bat Catching Birds Mid-Flight! Read More -
Oct 09, 2025 Scientists Discover First Fossilized Leech! Read More -
Oct 01, 2025 Researchers Recreate Dinosaur Sounds Using Bizarre Instrument! Read More -
Sep 19, 2025 The House that Ruth Built: The Story of the Old Yankee Stadium Read More
Cool Things!
Is “Paul is Dead” Dead?: Unpacking One Of Pop Culture’s Most Enduring Conspiracy Theories
Scientists Discover Hooves and Skin in Preserved Dinosaur "Mummies!"
A dinosaur discovery just in time for Halloween! In a new analysis of a group of fossils from Wyoming, Scientists have determined this group of fossils are dinosaur “mummies,” with preserved skin and even hooves.
Scientists Record a Bat Catching Birds Mid-Flight!
Bats, birds, screeches, oh my! In a reverse-Hitchcock twist, a new study reveals that a species of European bat catches and eats birds mid-flight.
Specimen Deep Dives
The House that Ruth Built: The Story of the Old Yankee Stadium
The Queen of the Skies: the Story of the Boeing 747
Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy
Long Form Articles
The Artist Behind the Macintosh: Susan Kare and Apple Computers
While the two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, are the most well known faces behind Apple computers, equally important to the products and culture of the company were those who crafted the experience of using their computers through design. The most notable of these visual architects was Susan Kare, a designer responsible for “humanizing” Macintosh computers.
Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!
Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.
Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!
