The sharing of knowledge was to benefit the community at
large. Reading became an out-of-school activity, for instruction
as well as for pleasure.
In 1565, graphite was discovered in England, and gave rise to the
pencil. Surveying accuracy was improved with the new theodolite,
which determined directions and measured angles and used a
telescope that pivoted horizontally and vertically. Scientists had
the use of an air thermometer, in which a column of air in a glass
tube sitting in a dish of water contracted or expanded with
changes in the temperature, causing the water to move up or down
the tube.
William Shakespeare, a glove-maker's son, wrote plays about
historical events and plays which portrayed various human
personalities and their interactions with each other. They were
enjoyed by all classes of people. His histories were especially
popular. The Queen and various earls each employed players and
actors, who went on tour as a troupe and performed on a round
open-air stage, with people standing around to watch. In London,
theaters such as the Globe were built specifically for the
performance of plays, which before had been performed at inns. The
audience applauded and hissed. There were costumes, but no sets.
Ordinary admission was 2d. Before being performed, a play had to
be licensed by the Master of the Revels to make sure that there
was nothing detrimental to the peace and public order.
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