Epact: Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Adriaan Zeelst

Adriaan Zeelst (Adrianus Zeelstius), instrument maker, engraver and mathematician, was born in the village of Zeelst (near Eindhoven). In 1561 he was registered on the matriculation roll of the University of Louvain. He is known as the maker of astrolabes, sundials, astronomical rings and surveying instruments. His work is dated between 1566 and 1593. An unsigned astrolabe, dated 1559, may also be from his hand.

He also engraved plates for several scientific works. At the request of Ernest of Bavaria, the Prince Bishop of Liege, he assisted the astronomer Gerard Stempel of Gouda in illustrating a treatise on the construction and the use of the astrolabe published in 1602. Adriaan Zeelst died soon after 1623.

For instruments by Adriaan Zeelst, see:

Crucifix Dial, Signed by Adriaan Zeelst, Louvain, Dated 1588 (Oxford, MHS)

References:

E. Zinner, Deutsche und Niederländische astronomische Instrumente des 11. bis 18. Jahrhunderts (2nd ed., Munich, 1967), p. 595; V. A. Rasquin, Dictionnaire des Constructeurs Belges d'Instruments Scientifiques (les origines ? 1914) (Brussels, 1996), p. 101; K. van Cleempoel, 'La Produccion de Instrumentos Cientificos en Lovaina en el Siglo XVI", in K. van Cleempoel et al, Instrumentos Cientificos del Siglo XVI: la Corte Espa?ola y la Escuela de Lovaina (Madrid, 1997), pp. 87-109 [pp. 59-74 in the English summary].

Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe