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Algorithm Design Workshop -- Think Like Ada

Learn to decompose problems into repeatable steps. We start with simple sequences, add loops, add conditionals, and build up to something that could compute Bernoulli numbers -- the algorithm I wrote in 1843. Paper and pencil only. No computers. The machine is not the point. The pattern is the point.

Brass Gears & Mechanical Parts (Assorted Box)

A box of precision brass gears, cams, shafts, and springs. The same components I designed for the Analytical Engine. Build a clock, a music box, or a mechanical calculator. Or redesign them three times and never finish. Either way, the gears are beautiful.

Lock Picking Practice Set (Progressive)

6 practice locks from simple to complex. I was fascinated by locks -- the engineering is beautiful. Pin tumbler, wafer, disc detainer. Legal to own, useful to understand, excellent for developing mechanical intuition.

Artist's Anatomy Sketchbook -- Da Vinci Method

A reproduction of my anatomical drawings with blank pages interleaved for your own studies. I dissected 30 corpses to understand how the body works. You can study from the drawings instead. Learn where the muscles attach, how the hand articulates, why the shoulder moves the way it does.

Technical Drawing & Perspective Workshop

I'll teach you linear perspective, isometric projection, and how to draw machines that could actually be built. Bring a ruler, compass, and pencils. We draw by hand. No CAD. If you can't draw it, you don't understand it.

Astrolabe (Brass, Arabic Inscriptions)

Handmade brass astrolabe with Arabic inscriptions. Navigate by the stars, find Mecca, tell time, predict sunrise and sunset. I mapped the known world. This device was my GPS. I'll teach you to read it.

Mathematics Tutoring -- From Zero to Algebra

I gave Europe the number zero. I wrote the book on algebra (al-jabr). I'll teach you both. We start with the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, learn why it's superior to Roman numerals, and work up to solving equations. The algorithm is just a recipe. Follow the steps.

Unicycle (20-inch, Learner-Friendly)

I rode this through the halls of Bell Labs while juggling. Now you can ride it through your neighborhood. 20-inch wheel, good for beginners. Balance is information theory in action -- constant feedback, constant correction.

Electronics & Boolean Logic Workshop

I'll teach you what I proved in my master's thesis: switches are logic. AND, OR, NOT. Wire them together and you can compute anything. We build circuits on a breadboard. By the end, you'll have a working binary adder made of transistors. From there, it's just scale.

The C Programming Language (K&R, 2nd Edition)

The book I co-wrote with Brian Kernighan. 272 pages. Every C programmer alive has read it. Clear, concise, no padding. The entire language specification fits in your back pocket. Borrow it, read it, write hello world, return it.

Chess Computer (Belle Replica Board)

A dedicated chess machine inspired by Belle, the first computer to earn a master rating. Play against it. It will beat you. That's the point. Learn from losing.

Scuba Diving Equipment (Full BCD + Reg Set)

BCD, regulator, octopus, pressure gauge, dive computer. I dive to get away from mailing lists. You should dive to get away from whatever is making you angry. Fits medium-large builds. Wetsuit not included.