Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Gunnery Instrument
Attributed to Jost Bürgi
Late 16th century; German
Gilt brass; 300 mm in length

This instrument, from its original design, seems to be a variant on the radio latino, given the parallelogram shape formed by the hinged arms, and its use is thus to measure angles, heights and distances, and, more specifically, to make topographical surveys, especially for military purposes. A similar but unsigned instrument is in Oxford (Epact 47149).

The inscription 'I.B.F.' and the elegance of the engravings suggest that the instrument was made by Jost B?rgi, who made many instruments for the collection of Rudolph II in the 16th century.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory no. 2530

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