Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Quadrant
Signed by Thomas Gemini
Mid 16th century; English
Brass; 270 mm in radius

The instrument is a double quadrant, made up of two brass plates between which is a wooden table of the same shape, kept together by pivots. The three plates rotate on top of each other about a single pivot placed at the right angle. By using the markings on the faces of the quadrants it is possible to make trigonometric operations, to measure elevation, to calculate the moveable feasts and to make astrological predictions.

The symbol 'II', representing the sign Gemini, reveals the author to be Thomas Gemini, a maker of observational and measuring instruments.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory no. 2509

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