13th International Conference on Radiation, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Technology and Ecology (RAD 2025 Conference)

The Magic project, initiated in 2023, aims to accurately digitally replicate the essence of antique books while ensuring their accessibility to everybody. The University of Naples Federico II, in collaboration with three prominent ICT companies, initiated this ambitious alliance to honor our cultural heritage. We started with the domain of incunabula, defined as books produced during the nascent period of printing with movable type. These are not mere dusty artifacts; they serve as portals to the past, encapsulating knowledge of ancient literature, astronomy, and medicine. A group of dedicated specialists is meticulously loading each page of these 500-year-old books onto a designated planetary scanner. They are chronicling history and capturing photographs. Every detail is significant, from the minuscule inscriptions to the aged parchment. High-resolution detail at 600 dpi is obtained by sophisticated scanning technology. Each sheet is managed with meticulous care, like priceless artwork, supported by moveable planes to prevent damage. The long-term archive uses the FITS format, a NASA standard. What is the rationale for utilizing the FITS format? Consider the scenario in which you wish to retrieve a file dated 1990 at the present time. FITS preserves digital information for future generations, akin to a time capsule. Each digitized volume contains its own narrative-historical insights, paleographic studies, and microbiological information. It is not merely the act of reading antiquated texts; it involves comprehending the authors and the societal context in which they existed. The Magic Project seeks to establish a link between the past and present by preserving ancient texts and fostering a society where individuals from many backgrounds can access these treasures. Our web site (www.magic.unina.it) provides immediate access to a private library. The presentation will focus on the informatics aspect of the project, from the web site to the AI tools.