The Library Owns Landmarks of Science and Other Rare Books, Some More Than 500 Years Old Recently, residents of Claridge Court in Prairie Village, Kansas came to see the Panama Canal exhibition and several rare books in the History of Science Collection, while a group of high school science teachers visited for a more in-depth introduction to the rare book collection. Both groups enjoyed seeing books from Gutenberg’s era that are over 500 years old, as well as books by many famous scientists. Galileo’s Sidereus nuncius, or Starry Messenger, of 1610 was particularly interesting. The Linda Hall Library’s copy is one of 30 printed on thick paper and given to Galileo to use for personal distribution. To schedule your visit to the History of Science rare book room, contact Eric Ward at 816.926.8753.