Furnished content.
(from Lumberjocks.com)
My father-in-law was a recognized physicist (Dr. Nichols). He worked on the development of radar technology during WWII and was offered an “opportunity” to work on the atomic bomb (he chose another path!). He subsequently developed the (control) mathematics and chart, as displayed in the book in the carving, which was instrumental in developing some aspects (in which he was directly involved) of space shuttles “arm.”His “Control” organization created (a 3D image of his face) and awarded him the first (assumed) of many subsequent such medals awarded to subsequent theoretical physicists.I mentioned the above only as a (partial) explanation for the project as displayed.My wife and I received notice of the award in time for me to design and execute the displayed carving which was presented to him immediately before the award. The design incorporates the tools, past and (at the time) present technology which he used during his career as well as other more mundane tools that were present on his desk at home. I did take artistic license by modifying the computer keyboard from that of an IBM which he always used) to an Apple keyboard. I don't think he recognized the irony (I was, at the time, an Apple engineer .. and I'm certain his daughter could have chosen more wisely!) At his death, the carving was returned to us and is displayed on wall used for family portraits, etc.