> I've been told that there is a rather splendid site on the palimpsest:
>
> http://www.thewalters.org/archimedes/
>
It is lovely, with fascinating pictures and historical details. The
unfortunate part is that it does not try to separate fact from legend. It
is stated definitely, e.g., that Archimedes studied in Alexandria. This
is very likely, but we do not have any proof. The writer of the text is
not only certain that Archimedes did invent the screw named after him, he
or she even knows exactly under what circumstances the screw was made.
Etc. We certainly allow flights of imagination, or using juicy details
even if they are doubtful, in a delightful essay written by an "almost nine
years old" child. The curators of the Walters are in a different position.
Given this reservation, I still recommend viewing the page, if (like me)
you are unfortunately unable to visit the exhibition itself.
By the way, it is stated on the page that, among other things, a first
edition of Euclid is shown. Just what does that mean? First printed
edition? In what language, country, etc.?
Avinoam Mann