The Atlas Obscura Podcast Our Favorite Objects: Galileo's Middle Finger (Classic)
Aug 25, 2025
Dive into the fascinating tale of Galileo Galilei’s preserved middle finger, a symbol of defiance against authority. Discover the intriguing life of this accidental heretic and his groundbreaking discoveries that challenged the church’s beliefs. Reflect on the humorous yet profound legacy of a scientific relic that continues to ignite curiosity. Plus, enjoy personal anecdotes and an invitation to share your own unusual objects, making history feel both accessible and entertaining.
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Person And Method United
- Galileo combined relentless observation with simple everyday experiments to reshape science.
- His instruments and bodily relics now sit alongside his discoveries, linking person and method in history.
Finding Galileo's Finger
- Dylan discovered Galileo's actual middle finger in the Florence history of science museum during a 2007 visit with his then-girlfriend.
- They wrote a blog post about the macabre relic and delighted in its rebellious symbolism.
Curious Expeditions Beginnings
- Dylan recounts living in Budapest in 2007 and running a travel blog called Curious Expeditions with his then-girlfriend.
- Their creative, precarious early travels led them to discover odd historical objects like Galileo's finger.
