Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Surveying Rod
Unsigned
16th century; English
Wood and gilt brass; 910 mm in length

This instrument, which is very elegant, could be used to perform topographical surveys for military purposes, in order to calculate the distances of fortresses or of army encampments.

The case of square section contains a wooden rod with various markings on its faces. One face is divided into inches and feet; on the others is a meridian line and a gilded brass opening that hides a housing for sights and, probably, also a plumb-line, which is now missing.

Inside the case is a rod of black wood with brass sights and a graduated strip of brass in two hinged parts.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory no. 694

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