The History of the Armillary Sphere

The History of the Armillary Sphere An armillary sphere is a miniature representation of celestial objects in the sky, depicted as a series of rings centered around a globe. Armillary spheres have a long history. Early History of the Armillary Sphere Some sources credit Greek philosopher Anaximander of Miletus (611-547 BCE) with inventing the armillary sphere, others credit Greek astronomer Hipparchus (190-120 BCE), and some credit the Chinese. Armillary spheres first appeared in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). One early  Chinese  armillary sphere can be traced to Zhang Heng, an astronomer in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). The exact origin of armillary spheres cannot be confirmed. However, during the Middle Ages, armillary spheres became widespread and increased in sophistication. Armillary Spheres in Germany The earliest surviving globes were produced in Germany. Some were made by German map-maker Martin Behaim of Nuremberg in 1492. Another early maker of armillary spheres was Caspar Vopel (1511-1561), a German mathematician and geographer. Vopel made a small manuscript terrestrial globe housed within a series of eleven interlocking armillary rings produced in 1543. What Armillary Spheres Got Wrong By moving the armillary rings, you could theoretically demonstrate how the stars and other celestial objects moved in the sky. However, these armillary spheres reflected early misconceptions of astronomy. The spheres depicted  the Earth at the center of the universe, with interlocking rings illustrating the circles of the sun, moon, known planets, and important stars (as well as the signs of the zodiac). This makes them a model of the inaccurate Ptolemaic (or Earth-centered) cosmic system (as opposed to the  way things actually work, by the Copernican System, with the sun as the center of the solar system.) Armillary spheres  often got geography wrong, too- Caspar Vopels sphere, for instance, depicts North America and Asia as one land mass, a common misconception of the time.

Strategic Marketing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Marketing Management - Essay Example (Riley, 2012) Alternatively, resource audit can be described as analysis or inspection of resources of an organization. It can also be called as Internal Resource Analysis. Assets and resources include tangible as well as intangible goods. An associations intangible and tangible resources consolidate with the companys abilities to make different competencies. Distinctive competencies allude to those exercises that a firm performs better than any contending firm. There are fluctuations in execution between individual firms and in an industry. The distinctions in execution are because of a few variables. Initially, the organizations may be in somewhat diverse aggressive positions (i.e., fit in with distinctive vital groups in the business) and a few positions may be more appealing than others. On the other hand, the more critical distinction is the difference in preferences between the different firms (competitive advantage). Competitive advantages refer to capacities, resources, aptitudes, abilities, etc., that empower an organization to contend all the more adequately in its industry. So as to build a perspective on the associations focused position, a business requires getting and considering data about competitors. There are numerous schemes by which this could be possible, including taking a look at the differential effects of focused conjectures on competitors, centre capabilities of competitors, the diverse missions of competitors, so on. The finished consequence of a contender examination should be to show where every contender is solid or feeble and helpless. One methodology to investigating contenders is the four-point rundown list of the key components of the analysis on competitors set forward by Greenley (1986): To better comprehend the exercises through which a firm forms competitive advantage and makes shareholder value, it is convenient to disparate the business framework into an arrangement of value generating activities alluded to

Physiology and Function Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Physiology and Function - Essay Example Peristalsis is the rhythmic segmental contraction and relaxation of the GI tract that helps in propulsion of food. Peristalsis is generally under autonomic control and is further mediated by myentric plexus located between the circular and longitudinal muscle layer. Contraction of these two muscles produces peristaltic waves, normally in a forward direction. Peristalsis plays a different role depending on the location of the GI tract. In the esophagus, it simply propels the food into the stomach. But in stomach, strong peristaltic contractions grind the food and mix it well with the acidic contents of the stomach. In the intestines the peristalsis is slow, providing sufficient time for digestion and absorption to take place (Guyton & Hall, 2000). Bile is produced and secreted by liver but is transported to gall bladder for storage. In the gall bladder it becomes concentrated and is released into the duodenum via common bile duct under the influence of cholecystokinin and vagal stimulation. Bile is composed of water, bile salts, bilirubin, cholesterol, fatty acids, lecithin and other common ions. Bile serves two important functions: assistance in fat digestions and removal of waste products. Bile does not contain any enzymes for digestion of fat but it causes emulsification of fat particles facilitating digestion and absorption in the intestinal mucosa. Bilirubin, a waste product of hemoglobin breakdown is also secreted in the feces via bile (Guyton & Hall, 2000). Saliva is secreted in the oral cavity by various glands such as parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Every day these glands produce 800-1500ml of saliva. Saliva has two important components: ptyalin and mucus. Ptyalin is an amylase enzyme that helps in starch digestion, whereas mucus plays an important role in lubricating the food bolus and reducing mechanical friction. Saliva also has one important function of protecting oral cavity from invading

Hinduism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Hinduism - Essay Example This paper will discuss Hinduism as a religion and a way of life. As earlier stated, Hinduism is considered by most people as a way of life rather than a religion (Flood 21). This is due to the fact that those who practice it have diverse beliefs, some of which appear to be unique to some communities for example in the rural areas and others for those living in urban areas. As it will be discussed later in the paper, these people have different gods whom they pray to. That not withstanding, they have various common beliefs that make them united under one umbrella of Hinduism. Apart from the belief that the term Hinduism was derived from Indus River, there are other theories which try to explain its meaning. For example, some people believe that the name was an invention of British people in the era of colonization while others believe that it was a term that was used by Persians to refer to India. However, Hinduism is believed to be one of the most ancient religions as several reports indicate that it was already in existence as early as 10000 B.C (Flood 29). One major aspect of Hinduism that has continued to attract criticism especially in the modern world of freedom and democracy is the caste system. This refers to the categorization of people into groups and sub groups on the basis of their family lineage as well as their occupation (Hawley 14). One of the major drawbacks of this system is that it marginalizes people of certain castes such that they cannot be allowed to socialize or intermarry with those of higher castes, who are accorded more privileges and respect in the society. The highest level in the Hindu caste system comprises of the Brahmins, who are considered to be the intermediaries between the gods and humans. In fact, the Hindu tradition defines Brahmins as the most excellent among all humans (Hawley 19). Due to this, they are entrusted with the responsibility of conducting religious rituals in

Early Autum Essay Example for Free

Early Autum Essay Langston Hughes short story â€Å"Early Autumn† demonstrates how distance and time can heal a broken heart. The main character Bill illustrates his distance from Mary showing that he has moved on with his life and relationship. The symbolism in Langston Hughes short story â€Å"Early Autumn† reveals the coldness and distance Bill has towards his and Mary’s once relationship. Hughes writes, â€Å"It was late afternoon. Nearly sunset. Cold. † (Hughes, n. d. , para 4) is a perfect example of Bill’s and Mary’s lost relationship. The sunset symbolizes the darkness and coldness in Bill and Mary’s now relationship. Bill is unable to see anything other than a casual friendship with Mary. The coldness has moved in and fall has packed her bags and winter has now arrived to take up residence. The trees are bare and lifeless, it resembles how Bill feels towards the relationship him and Mary once shared, he is emotionless almost lifeless towards Mary. For Bill the darkness is so thick he is unable to see anything in front of him. This woman standing before him may have been someone he once knew a long time ago but she is now someone he no longer recognizes. It’s like the grim reaper had made his appearance taking any life and happiness that had been for Bill and Mary’s once relationship. For Bill that part of his life had been buried and laid to rest a long time ago. The handshake symbolizes the finality of the once relationship for Bill. Mary still clings to the hope that Bill has feelings for her upon seeing him again (â€Å"Unconsciously, she lifted her face as though wanting a kiss, but he held out his hand. Hughes, n. d. , para 3). Bill extends his hand to Mary almost instantly severing any idea of romanticism that Mary could have possibly had. Bill extends his hand to Mary almost instantly severing any idea of romanticism that Mary could have possibly had. Bill’s almost business like handshake shows that he doesn’t foster the same ideas or cling to the same memories that Mary does. Bill treats Mary as a colleague, not someone he one shared such an intimate part of himself with. He buried his feelings for Mary the day she gave up on him and their relationship. He now only sees Mary as an acquaintance. The unknown people walking around symbolize how Bill and Mary really no longer know each other. Standing talking to Mary in the hustle and bustle of the New York City streets, (â€Å"A great many people went past them through the park. People they didn’t know† Hughes, n. d. , para 4). Throughout the years that past and the lives they have lived people have weaved in and out. They now both lived two separate lives; Bills life was full of happiness and Mary’s life full of regret. But standing there on the street that day they were strangers themselves. Many years passing just like the people passing by on the busy city street. Even though knowing each other, sharing stories and lives with each other once upon a time, having an intimacy knowing each other in and out. Distance, time and experience have made them different people almost foreign to each other in a way. They are no longer the people they once knew now they are strangers much like the people weaving in and out on the busy streets. The use of Bill’s wife’s name symbolizes his happiness with his marriage and his wife. Bill has made a life for himself and is a very happy man. He tells Mary of this life and of his family with such enthusiasm and pride that you can tell he is right where he wants to be. When talking with Mary at one point Bill mentions his wife by name, Mary on the other hand seems to forget her that she husband. Not once during her and Bill’s conversation does she mention him by name. (â€Å"Sure,† he replied. â€Å"You and your husband must have dinner with my family some night. Any night. Lucille and I’d love to have you. † Hughes, n. d. , para 7). Bill invites Mary and her husband to his house for dinner and calls his wife by name. Saying (â€Å"Lucille and I’d love to have you†. ) Bill added a hidden intimacy for his wife by calling her by name. Letting Mary know then and there he loved his wife, by stating her name brought a reality to the fantasy for Mary. Ending and crushing any hope Mary may had clung to. Bill was happy and enjoyed his life; never once regretting his decision’s. Whereas Mary will live with regret for the rest of her life. I truly enjoyed this short story; I think a majority of people can relate. For me it was the lost love or the one who got away. I think that everyone in some way has had this happen to them I know that I have. I can relate to Bill, I can understand how he loved someone so much and they could just move on so easily without so much as a single word. Having your trust broken and it taking years before you can trust someone again is a long and painful road. I think love and relationships are something a lot of people take for granted now a days. Fighting over petty things, putting material possessions over human worth seems to be the norm for most relationships now a days. Fighting with someone and instead of talking it over or working it out; people holding grudges or moving on without so much as a single word uttered. But for Bill it worked out he found love, true love. I think for me the story showed that sometimes it takes a couple of wrong ones until your find the right one. To not let one bad experience jade you for the rest of your life because at the end of it all there is always a silver lining.

Thier Eyes Were Watching God :: essays research papers

In life everyone tries to find their true identity. For some it comes naturally, for others it might take years to find their identity, or they might never find it at all. In the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God; Zora Neale Hurston reveals a woman’s identity through her struggles in life, her treatment by society, and her thoughts on life. Janie a young African American girl who grew up in white life style; believed she was related of them till about the age of six. This impact changed Janie’s view on life. While she thought she was able to do things the color of her skin held her back. This made her try harder to accomplish her goals. When her grandmother insisted that she marry Logan she did not want to. Janie married him to fulfill her grandmother’s dreams. Even though Janie did not love him she struggled till she could not stand it and left with Joe.† It had always been his wish and desire to be a big voice and he had to live nearly thirty years to find a chance.† (28) While, Janie was with Joe in Eaton Vile she had a higher status then the rest of the towns people. Janie tried to interact with them, but Joe would not let her. He thought of Janie as being better then all of them. This led to the way she was treated in society. All of the women in the town thought Janie had everything, but Janie did not. She wanted to be excepted as part of them. When Joe died people in the town expected Janie to be mournful, so she put on an act for them. â€Å"She sent her face to Joe’s funeral, and herself went rollicking with the springtime across the world.† (88) After, Joe’s death Janie still ran the store. While working she meet Tea Cake, he showed her how to play checkers. â€Å"Somebody wanted her to play. Somebody thought it natural for her to play.† (96) This represents how he treated her as equal. Tea Cake compared to the other two husbands in Janie’s life was everything she was looking for. Tea Cake taught her so much that she started to fell more independent. After, Tea Cake’s death Janie grieves on the inside so much that she

Rebellious to Responsible in John Updikes A&P Essay -- Literacy Analy

The lives we live today encompass many moral aspects that would not have been socially acceptable fifty or more years ago. John Updike’s short story, A&P, addresses these issues of societal changes through a 1960’s teenager point of view. This teenager, Sammy, spends a great deal of his time working at a local supermarket, observing customers, and imagining where his life adventures will take him. Through symbolism and setting, Updike establishes the characters and conflicts; these, in turn, evolve Sammy from an observational, ignorant teenager, promoting opposition to changing social rules, into an adult who must face reality. This short story, first published in 1961, stirs up controversy and still continues to be debated today. Although Updike intends for his writing to be simple and enjoyable, he also includes literary and cultural knowledge of the time period for readers to analyze more deeply (Saldivar N. pag.). As with A&P, Updike injects religious faith, which few Non-Catholic writers attempted during this time, in a seemingly effortless way. The supermarket A&P, the main setting of the story, was positioned â€Å"right in the middle of town† (Updike 983); a prime position accessible to all, although, generally this position was reserved for the town’s place of worship. In a way, Updike implanted this detail to be ironic. The supermarket in his story represented a â€Å"temple of modern consumerism† and was replacing a temple of worship (Wells N. pag.). To create a story that was relevant to the 1960’s, yet still encompasses issues society currently faces, demonstrates U pdike’s genius ability to engage in the enthralling world around him. The story begins through Sammy, the narrator, working at the local A&P supermarket. He not... ..., 1994. Literature Resource Center. Web. 15 Apr. 2012. †¢ Porter, M. Gilbert. "John Updike's 'A & P': The Establishment and an Emersonian Cashier." English Journal 61 (Nov. 1972): 1155-1158. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism. Ed. Anna J. Sheets. Vol. 27. Detroit: Gale Research, 1998. Literature Resource Center. Web. 15 Apr. 2012. †¢ Saldivar, Toni. "The Art Of John Updike's "A & P." Studies In Short Fiction 34.2 (1997): 215. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. †¢ Thompson, Corey Evan. "Updike's A & P." Explicator 59.4 (2001): 215. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. †¢ Updike, John. "A&P." Thinking and Writing About Literature. Ed. Michael Meyer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2001. 981-86. Print. †¢ Wells, Walter. "John Updike's `A&P': A Return To Araby." Studies In Short Fiction 30.2 (1993): 127. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Apr. 2012.