Category: History of Science and Technology

Endless Fascination: Charles-François Mazois’ Ruins of Pompeii

August 22, 2025

Posted by: Nate Smith

This post gives a brief description of the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius on the Bay of Naples, which destroyed several nearby cities. It goes on to focus on a four-volume work, one of first comprehensive studies of the site, which includes illustrated plates of sculptures and other artwork. This work also led to increased scholarship of and tourism to the area into the present day.

Posted in: Engineering, Favorites From the Fifth Floor, Heritage Months, Holidays, and Today in History, History of Science and Technology

Upcoming Webinar: An Introduction to the Technical Reports Collection on June 12

June 2, 2025

Posted by: Jennifer Harbster

Join us to learn about the Library of Congress’s technical reports collection, the tools available to search it, and ways to access the collection.

Posted in: Engineering, History of Science and Technology, Lunchtime Lectures and Videos, Science, Technical Reports and Standards

Lotte Reiniger: Animation Innovator

April 24, 2025

Posted by: Jennifer Harbster

At an early age, Lotte Reiniger (1899-1981) had a passion for silhouettes and fairytales that would lead her to a career in animation. She later became a pioneer in silhouette animation and developed the multiplane technology that enabled the multiplane camera to add dimension to animation.

Posted in: History of Science and Technology, Inventions, Women's History