When *could* recorded sound have started?

[Retrograde]

The PBS TV show NOVA featured the Antikythera mechanism in a new episode last night. I'm sure they will repeat it at some point, or have it available online.

Nat, I read "One Good Turn" not too long ago, good read. My local library happen to have a copy of it. (You may have mentioned it once before here on TMF, thanks for the recommendation).

[Damfino59]

If you follow horological history the ability to construct gears and plates with wheel cutting engines and lathes, it could of been possible to construct a sound recording device by the 18th century. Just look at some of the work by the old master clockmakers like Thomas Tompion.