Colleagues might be interested in listening to some excellent radio programs conducted by Melvin Bragg (at BBC Radio 4). Direct links below. The discussion of Pliny's work tends to emphasise technology. Then one link to "the History of the World in 100 Objects". As the title suggest, it tells the history of human development through objects at the British Museum are used to inspire the discussion.... I wonder if the ATM in the computer exhibit will get the spot light. ;) You can also subscribe to free podcasts of these (although the new 'In Our Time' series starts next September). Best wishes Bernardo University of Leicester (UK) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003k9fc PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sxjlz A History of the World in 100 Objects Omnibus The Beginnings of Science and Literature http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rfl65