Most complicated thingy - Page 2

Mik1w · #11 03-08-2006, 10:28 AM

what about like a modern snier rifle? I would imagine a lot goes into that to make it accurate. There is gunpowder as well, I suppose that might not count.

I saw something at a museum in London, but I can't remember what it did. It was a huge mechanical device, I think it was a mechanical abacus, but it was absolutely massive and looked incredibly detailed and complex. It was about three times my height, and in a very large box. I think it was an early "computer", but it was entirely mechanical so I'm not sure.

purnell · #12 03-08-2006, 11:01 AM

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I'm going to go with the self-winding pocket watch. I have a beautiful one my wife gave me with the guts all exposed behind the crystal, and that thing is astounding.

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I can't come up with anything to top this.

purnell · #13 03-08-2006, 11:16 AM

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Babbage's analytical engine.

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"Had the Analytical Engine ever actually been built..."

Disqualified?

Nottom · #14 03-08-2006, 11:48 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Babbage's analytical engine.

[/ QUOTE ]

"Had the Analytical Engine ever actually been built..."

Disqualified?

[/ QUOTE ]

They did build a working copy in the early 90s. Just becasue Babbage himself didn't successfully build one shouldn't disqualify it.

purnell · #15 03-08-2006, 12:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Babbage's analytical engine.

[/ QUOTE ]

"Had the Analytical Engine ever actually been built..."

Disqualified?

[/ QUOTE ]

They did build a working copy in the early 90s. Just becasue Babbage himself didn't successfully build one shouldn't disqualify it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you are talking about "difference engine no. 2", which is pretty impressive itself, but not the analytical engine.

Borodog · #16 03-08-2006, 01:15 PM

My second guess would have to be a clipper ship.

billygrippo · #17 03-08-2006, 05:40 PM

roman pluming/aquaducts.

purnell · #18 03-08-2006, 05:58 PM

It's not particularly complicated, and it is a heat engine (but it can run on solar power, of which wind power is a subtype, so it sorta qualifies), but i think the Stirling engine is pretty cool.

bunny · #19 03-08-2006, 06:17 PM

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The brain. Though strictly speaking, these are made by women only.

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CORed · #20 03-08-2006, 06:17 PM

Babbage engines have been built in recent years and they did work. Babbage was never able to muster the financial resources to build it, but the design was valid.