Ernst Haeckel

Plates from renowned (for better or worse at times) scientist and artist Ernst Haekel. One can't broach the subject of gentleman scientists without his mention. These illustrations are from Dr. Haekel's 1862 monograph, Die Radiolarien. The report covered new species of radiolarian, marine protozoa characterized by their elaborate mineral skeletons.

View all 35 plates >>>

Pocketful

A petite collection of the functionally inconspicuous.

Keychain pocketknife from the reputable Garrett Wade, barely larger than standard mill and much more attractive. All keys should be so refined. Tally ho! >>>

Hollowed authentic coinage by a modest Father & Sons workshop. Memory card holding capacity in domestic and foreign currencies for the aspiring corporate sleuth. >>>

Mauvian Approach: for slipping handwritten notes of romantic or illicit intent.

Embossed coin 8GB flash drive with laurel motif from a promotional products company. Sadly only available for bulk purchase. Very unfortunate, as this would be amazing engraved with a personal monogram. >>>

Vatican Vectors

Virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel.

Amazingly detailed yes, but some atmospheric perspective would immensely help the nausea inducing navigation (compounded by the inextinguishable choir).

Passport No | Dramamine Yes

Gentleman Scientist

{a financially independent scientist who pursues scientific study as a hobby}

Due to vast increases in government and private funding starting in the 20th century, gentleman scientists have become an increasingly rare breed. Without the apron strings that inherently come attached to moneys, these men and women have historically produced some of the most provocative and influential research. 

Though this image is perhaps a decade old (and a definite invasion of privacy), it still seems a fitting tribute to the Darwinian roots of modern-day pioneers.

Stephen Wolfram | Craig Venter | Julian Barbour | Aubrey de Grey | James Lovelock

Scientia Vincere Tenebras

Woofer

Pun obviously intended by industrial designer Sander Mulder. Speakers certainly deserving of a Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Heads Will Roll" christening. Perhaps an accompanying leash power cord would be apropos.

Edison-esque

Nixieclock - Chronotronix V400

Franz Maurer - Aves Series

Nixie tubes, exposed hand-blown bulbs...

how is the compact fluorescent the easy switch exactly?

With the resurgence of Edison-esque aesthetics in lighting and electronics design the swap seems wholly unachievable. The efforts to improve the fluorescent alternative have not come far, at this point in time it can only be likened to substituting crème brûlée for a helping of non-dairy creamer.

I'm all for social responsibility and sustainability, but when will the greener bulb compare to the elegance of an incandescent?  

Victrola Cri

iVictrola by made-craft

(video)

My first acquaintance was with Matt Richmond's iVictrola. It is still at the top of my list, largely due to the brassy distortion. All of the sort use simple principles of amplification in order to achieve their resonance, hence wireless.

Minus earbuds, of course.

Hendekagram by qed* Design

Phonophone II by Science + Sons

Marlies Romberg

As an accompaniment to her graduate exhibition, Dear Diary 1.0, Marlies created a flash drive worth salivation. The Topsecret USB is encased in glazed white porcelain and sealed with wax to protect your most classified files. Unfortunately this is just a design prototype thus far.

Interview with the artist via woot!

Son of Mac

M. Magritte strikes again. Vinyl macbook decals available in eleven shades from Hu2.