Ancient Lenses

When the great pyramid's construction was in its beginning stages, a level foundation would have been crucial to the pyramid's stability. Archaeologists of the present day have discovered that the 13-acre base is indeed level with only an 1/8th of an inch in variation from one corner to the other. Such accuracy requires accurate measurements. Accurate measurements rely, in turn, on accurate instruments. I am referring to ancient lenses. Lenses ground from rock crystal have been found not only in Egypt, but in Greece and Europe, and, possibly, South America. These lenses were most likely used in surveying and in astronomy. The Egyptians would have certainly used lenses in their construction of the pyramids at Giza.

A very clear example of the ancient Egyptian's use of lenses in astronomy is found in their recorded observations of the star Sirius. Sirius is a binary star: two stars orbiting each other in very close proximity. Only with a powerful telescope can one discern that Sirius is a binary star. To the naked eye, a binary star like Sirius appears as a single star. Yet the Egyptians, in their observations of Sirius, depict it as a binary star.

Military Exoskeletons

It's true that science fiction often predicts the future. I just finished reading Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein, a military sci-fi adventure that takes place in earth's future. The troopers, the equivalents of today's infantry, wear technologically advanced suits that allow them to run at 40mph, jump to the height of 10 story buildings, carry extremely heavy loads, and do all this while keeping in constant communication with their comrades. I was amazed to hear just a few days ago that the U.S. military is developing a similiar suit for its own armed forces.

The suit is being described as an exoskeleton that will increase a soldier's capability to run, carry equipment, and spot the enemy. Several technologies are being tested to power the suit such as deforming magnets and pneumatic muscles. Whatever they use needs to operate silently. The suits are still in development and many obstacles need to be overcome before they will be field ready.