Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Menu
 Catalogue
349 of 520
Sorted by:


Mathematical Compendium
Signed by Hans Christoph Schissler jr
Late 16th century; German
Gilt brass and silver; 198 x 200 x 90 mm

This is an extremely complex instrument used in a variety of operations. On its upper part are an astrolabe and a geographical mirror, on which the name Hans Christoph Schissler jr, is engraved. This was the son of the more famous instrument maker. On the base of the instrument is a compass which can be oriented horizontally and which bears a calendar on the external surface of its base. The instrument is also equipped with an alidade which has a graduated scale for measuring height and a pendulum which serves as a level.

The whole instrument can be contained within a leather case with golden decorations.

The instrument belonged to the collection brought by Prince Mattias de' Medici from Germany in 1635.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory no. 2467

© 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.

Basic URL: http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/epact/catalogue.php?ENumber=35063