Epact: Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

James Kynvyn

James Kynvyn was an English mathematical instrument maker of the late 16th century. Unlike his immediate predecessors and contemporaries he is presently known only by surviving instruments rather than by engravings for books or maps.

The poet and critic Gabriel Harvey bracketed Kynvyn with Humfrey Cole as his 'mathematical mechanicians' and Kynvyn may have had some association with Cole. He was prized by several contemporary mathematicians, for Harvey also notes that Kynvyn had been recommended by Thomas Digges and John Blagrave.

He was one of the makers patronised by Sir Robert Dudley and several of his instruments survive at Florence as part of the collection which Dudley took with him when he fled to Italy in the early 17th century.

For instruments by James Kynvyn, see:

Astronomical Compendium, Signed by James Kynvyn, London, Dated 1593 (London, BM)

Folding Rule, Signed by James Kynvyn, London, Dated 1595 (Firenze, IMSS)

Plane Table, Signed by James Kynvyn, English, Dated 1595 (Firenze, IMSS)

Proportional Instrument, Signed by James Kynvyn, London, Dated 1597 (Firenze, IMSS)

Quadrant, Attributed to James Kynvyn, English, Date; place Undated (Firenze, IMSS)

Sector, Attributed to James Kynvyn, London, circa 1600 (Oxford, MHS)

References:

G. L'E. Turner, "Mathematical Instrument-Making in London in the 16th Century", in S. Tyacke (ed.), English Map-Making 1500-1650 (London, 1983), pp. 93-106

Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe