Quote:
Originally Posted by ekbell
Apparently as a showpiece and map preserver
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I can imagine its use as a showpiece, but as a map preserver, no. I can't think of any reason that any map should be that big--you can always cover less area on a map or reduce the scale.
I can't believe that a book like being actually used, but I'll read up on it. Can you imagine Magellan, trying to find his Strait, telling one of his crew to bring up from downstairs a book like that, so he could find his way! It would probably take a crane. Shiver me timbers!
Yep, I think that it had to be a showpiece. But I'll be interested in seeing the results of the digitizing, from a practical standpoint.
BTW--my hunch, from reading here and there, is that the British Museum is probably on the forefront in the world of digitizing old things. Thank you, British Museum!