| Popis: |
Charles 1 of England is usually referred to as the ‘Royal Martyr’. He died for his religious and political principles. However, his son Charles II has an equally good claim to the same title since his death was probably due to his devotion to science. Charles II ascended to the throne in 1660. In the same year he granted a charter to the Royal Society of London under whose auspices experimental science became the popular rage. Many a perfumed dandy had his own laboratory in which he searched for the key to unlock nature’s secrets. The King’s uncle, Prince Rupert, had abandoned his military and political activities and now worked long hours in his laboratory. Today we are reminded of his researches by the ‘Prince Rupert drops,’ those exploding glass beads that long served to amuse children. |
