Jazzy charts and slick infographics may seem like thoroughly modern phenomena, but for centuries data visualizations have played a crucial role in the scientific process. This spring at the British Library in London, a new exhibition delves into the rich history of such displays and explores the impact they have had on the development of science and how it is communicated.

Beautiful Science: Picturing Data, Inspiring Insight spans four centuries of scientific visualizations. In this Nature Video, British Library curator Johanna Kieniewicz takes us through some of her favourites, from both times past and today. The exhibition is free and runs from 20 February to 26 May.

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