This is the second of three OLLI courses to explore the intimate technological connections between fire and civilization. The first session covered what can be called “the banishment of the night,” namely the development of fire-based interior lighting. It is the story of olive oil lamps, tallow and beeswax candles and whale oil lamps as precursors to kerosene lamps. Session two will cover what can be broadly called “the conversion of heat (fire) to mechanical energy.” It is the story of coal, steam engines and no less than the great industrial revolution. The course will be profusely illustrated with art and photos. It does not require any formal background in science, or previous participation in Part 1.
Course Code
504568