A common task in a laboratory setting is that of sampling, where a bit of e.g. liquid has to be sampled from a series of containers. Doing this by hand is possible, but tedious, ergo an autosampler ...

This column on the art of the carousel is in response to readers who asked how volunteers actually carved the horses on the Berkshire Carousel. Figure carving for carousels became a lost art in 1930.

Step right up onto the platform and into the crowd of candy-painted ponies. Jump on the rampant horse with wild eyes, hold on tight and soar with the calliope's unchained jangle through a dreamland ...