Meet the ghost of an inventor past

Posted on Wednesday 13 October 2004

A chance meeting between a University of York scientist and the ghost of an inventor provides the content of one of the talks in this term's public lectures at the University of York.

'An encounter with Sir George Cayley - the inventor of the aeroplane' is a dialogue between Professor Jim Matthew, a physicist at the University, and the ghost of Sir George (alias Ian Wormald, Former Test Pilot). The discoveries of this Yorkshireman come to life during the discussion.

The history and function of insulin and the global burden of diabetes is another topic explored in an Open Course series this term. A biologist, an epidemiologist, and a consultant diabetologist provide different perspectives on the subject. Throughout the series it is revealed that, even after working with insulin for 80 years, we still do not know exactly how it works; the rise of diabetes due to the increase in obesity is considered, and the history and current use of insulin in the treatment of diabetes is discussed.

Another lecture looks at cinema in the new technological age, and the 1200th anniversary of the death of Alcuin, pupil and later headmaster of the cathedral school in York, is commemorated in a one-off Historical Association talk.

The lectures this term kick off with the second Vice-Chancellor's lecture, delivered this year by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, who will be talking on 'Just law in the new millennium'. She will examine whether the new legal regimes which have arisen to deal with the challenges of terrorism and globalisation are necessary, or an excuse for the erosion of human rights and civil liberties.

All lectures are free and open to all.