Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

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Theodolite
Unsigned
Later 16th century; English
Brass; 160 mm in diameter

This instrument is made up of a semi-circle, with both faces finely engraved and marked with various indications. Along the diameter of the instrument is a visor, while the degree scale is engraved along the circumference. The shadow square suggests that the instrument may originally have been a part of a theodolite, and have been used for surveying and topographical operations.

One face bears the coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth I of England. This semi-circle belonged to the bequest left by Sir Robert Dudley to the Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1649.

Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
Inventory no. 2528

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