A really old chemistry book in New York

Plus: Bluedot 2024 cancelled and other news from the interface of science and art

Two weeks ago I was on holiday in New York City. Yes, it was the week of the floods and we got a bit wet but still managed to pack a lot of fun things in our rainy week, including a trip to the main branch of the New York Public Library. 

This branch has the famous reading room but also an exhibit of some of the library’s treasures. The original plush to…