William Gurstelle

William Gurstelle is a contributing editor of Make: magazine. His new book, ReMaking History: Early Makers is now available.

Latest from William Gurstelle

Remaking History: Raise Water Using Fire With Thomas Savery’s “Miner’s Friend”

Remaking History: Raise Water Using Fire With Thomas Savery’s “Miner’s Friend”

09/05/2024

Re-create Thomas Savery’s proto-steam engine — the first industrial machine to use fossil energy.

Christiaan Huygens and the Pendulum Clock

Christiaan Huygens and the Pendulum Clock

06/28/2023

The Scientific Revolution was a momentous time. Most historians of science agree that during this era — 1500 to 1700 CE...

Recreating Galileo’s Sector

Recreating Galileo’s Sector

06/15/2023

The sector, also known as the compass of proportion, is a fun and easy-to-use calculating device that uses the power of...

The Game of Jeu Gruyère

The Game of Jeu Gruyère

05/13/2022

This simple woodworking project provides years of backyard fun, French style

Remaking History: Ismail al-Jazari and the Elephant Water Clock

Remaking History: Ismail al-Jazari and the Elephant Water Clock

05/07/2021

Build the amazing, accurate water clock invented by Baghdad’s Golden Age engineer.

Build A Peltier Coaster To Keep Your Coffee Warm — Or Cold

Build A Peltier Coaster To Keep Your Coffee Warm — Or Cold

10/29/2019

A Cold junction In 1798, Jean Charles Athanase Peltier was just 13 years old and although he came from a...

Remaking History: James Watt and the Flyball Governor

Remaking History: James Watt and the Flyball Governor

02/12/2019

In 1764, scotsman James Watt grew thoughtful as he tinkered with the machinery associated with his job as a steam...

Remaking History: Build Your Own Copper Still

Remaking History: Build Your Own Copper Still

11/15/2018

Zakariya Al-Razi, the Secret of Secrets, and the invention of the modern still

Use Polarizing Film to Locate the Sun on Overcast Days

Use Polarizing Film to Locate the Sun on Overcast Days

10/25/2017

Locate the sun on overcast days with this ingenious Viking invention.

Mix Lard and Lye for DIY Soap

Mix Lard and Lye for DIY Soap

06/02/2017

When Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis noticed high fatality rates in his maternity ward, he introduced soap. Learn the basics of homemade...

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