Apple-1 Computer & Rare Enigma Machine Up for Auction

Forget scanning electron microscopes, high-speed centrifuges and computer-controlled telescopes — some of the coolest science tools ever made are totally analog, incredibly old and available for purchase as part of a new online auction.

This horary quadrant was used to measure the time of day by calculating the altitude of the sun.


Forget scanning electron microscopes, high-speed centrifuges and computer-controlled telescopes — some of the coolest science tools ever made are totally analog, incredibly old and available for purchase as part of a new online auction.
Hosted by Christie's auction house in London, the Seven Centuries of Science sale features some of the coolest scientific instruments from the 14th century onward. The online-only auction opened for bidding yesterday (Oct. 15) and lasts until Oct. 29.
The oldest artifact to hit the auction block is a horary quadrant — an instrument used to measure the time of day by calculating the altitude of the sun. It's expected to sell for at least $77,000, according to Christie's. [See photos of the historic science instruments up for auction]