Ep 7. David Rittenhouse's Orrery

In season 2, episode 7 of A Taste of History, we take a closer look at the life and work of David Rittenhouse, a mathematician, astronomer, and clockmaker who lived during the American Revolution. Rittenhouse is best known for his creation of the Orrery, a machine that maps the motion of the planets and moons. This episode explores Rittenhouse's life and work, and offers a glimpse into the making of the Orrery.

Host Walter Staib begins the episode by discussing Rittenhouse's early life and education. Born in Pennsylvania in 1732, Rittenhouse was fascinated by astronomy from a young age. He studied with local teachers and eventually became a self-taught expert in astronomy and mathematics. He went on to become a professor at the College of Philadelphia, and later served as director of the United States Mint.

Staib then takes us to the American Philosophical Society, where he meets with Robert Peck, a curator who specializes in Rittenhouse's life and work. Peck explains that Rittenhouse was one of the leading scientific figures of his time, and that the Orrery was his most famous creation.

The Orrery, Peck tells us, is a mechanical model of the solar system that shows the relative positions and motions of the planets. Rittenhouse spent years perfecting the design, which involved creating dozens of intricately crafted gears and mechanisms. The Orrery was a feat of engineering that demonstrated Rittenhouse's genius for precision and accuracy.

Staib and Peck then take a tour of the Orrery exhibit, which features several examples of Rittenhouse's work. They examine the gears and motors that power the Orrery, and discuss the various celestial bodies that it depicts. The Orrery, Peck notes, was not only a scientific instrument, but also a work of art. Rittenhouse's craftsmanship and attention to detail made the Orrery a thing of beauty as well as a scientific wonder.

Next, Staib visits the University of Pennsylvania, where he meets with Philip Stern, a historian of science who has studied Rittenhouse's work in depth. Stern explains that the Orrery was not simply a scientific tool, but also a political statement. Rittenhouse was a loyalist who supported the British during the Revolution, and the Orrery was a symbol of his scientific and political beliefs. Stern discusses some of the controversies surrounding Rittenhouse's life and work, and explores the ways in which the Orrery reflected his worldview.

Staib then travels to the home of David Rittenhouse, which still stands in Norriton, Pennsylvania. He meets with historian Matt Knox, who gives us a tour of the house and shows us some of Rittenhouse's personal possessions. Knox explains that Rittenhouse was a deeply religious man who saw astronomy as a way to better understand God's creation. He also shows us some of the tools and machines that Rittenhouse used to create the Orrery, and gives us a sense of the work that went into its production.

Finally, Staib visits the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, where he sees a working replica of the Orrery. He examines the machine up close and marvels at its complexity and beauty. He reflects on the legacy of David Rittenhouse, and on the importance of scientific innovation and ingenuity.

Overall, season 2, episode 7 of A Taste of History is a fascinating exploration of David Rittenhouse's life and work, and of the Orrery in particular. Through interviews with scholars and experts, and visits to historical sites and exhibits, the episode offers a comprehensive look at one of the most important scientific inventions of the 18th century. Viewers will come away with a greater appreciation of Rittenhouse's genius and the continued relevance of his work today.