Epact: Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe


	Universal Instrument

This term is given to an instrument with a range of functions, where it would be misleading to give it a more specific name. Such instruments are most commonly found in surveying.

In some cases instruments that could readily be given a more specific name, such as triangulation instrument or altazimuth theodolite, were presented by their designers as universal instruments, answering all the possible needs of the surveyor.

Jim Bennett

Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe