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Quadrant
Signed by Tobias Volckmer
Dated 1608; Brunswick
Gilt brass; 360 x 360 mm

This is a 'universal' quadrant, capable of carrying out mathematical, astronomical, astrological and military calculations. The work of Tobias Volckmer of Brunswick, goldsmith to the house of Saxony, the instrument consists of a quadrant engraved on both sides. It is elegantly decorated, and the lines are drawn with such precision as to yield results even today with only a small margin of error.

The instrument is provided with a compass, which could be easily installed or removed, and which is itself provided with a lid which works as a sun and moon dial.

A Jacob's staff with a movable cursor and a tripod also belonged to the instrument, which was brought from Germany by Prince Mattias de' Medici in 1635.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory nos 2465 and 1495

© Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze. All rights reserved. Information and images provided here may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the museum.

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