A treatise of such mathematical instruments as are usually put into a portable case, containing their various uses. In arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, architecture, surveying, gunnery, etc., with a short account of the authors who have treated on the proportional compasses and sector. To which is now added an appendix containing the description and use of the gunner's callipers / [J. Robertson].

  • Robertson, J. (John), 1712-1776.
Date:
1757
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A treatise of such mathematical instruments as are usually put into a portable case, containing their various uses. In arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, architecture, surveying, gunnery, etc., with a short account of the authors who have treated on the proportional compasses and sector. To which is now added an appendix containing the description and use of the gunner's callipers / [J. Robertson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    1633, a quarto book, called the conftruElion and ufe of the compajjo polimetro, (or fedtor.) The lines on this in- ltrument, were fuch as were common at that time: He fays in the dedication to his friend Peter Linder of Nu¬ remberg, he firil taught the ufe of it In the preface he fays, that about the year 1568, Commandine, who then taught at Urhino, did con¬ trive a pair of compares with a moveable centre, to divide right lines into equal parts ; which was done at the requeft of a gentleman named Bartholomew Ev.ftachiOy who wifhed to avoid the trouble of the common methods, or of being obliged to have many compares for fuch divifions of right lines. He farther fays, that about that time, Guidihaldoy marquefs of Montey who lived at Urbino for the fake of Commandine’s company, being frequently at the houfe of Simone Boraccioy who made Commandine’s proportional compares, did contrive, and caufe to be made, an inftrument with flat legs, (like the fedtor) which performed the operations of the compafs more eafily. Oddi fays alfo, that great numbers were made, and in few years, had many ufeful and curious addi¬ tions, with treatifes written on its ufe in diverfe lan¬ guages, and called by dilferent names, which oc- cafioned the doubt oi who was the true author, every one having found means to fupport his caufe: But Oddi fays, he not intending to decide the difpute, leaves it to time to difcover; and leems contented to have pointed out who was the firft inventor; his chief intention being that of making the ufe public, and the conftrudtion eafy to workmen. The following authors have alfo wrote on the fedtor, and fedtoral lines. XVI. Anno 1634, P. Petity printed in 8vo. at Parisy a treatife on the fedtor. He thinks Galilaus was the inventor. XVII. An. 1635, Matthias Berneggerus printed at Strajburg a 4to. edition of Galilaus’s book on the fedtor, which confifts of two parts: To this is added * a third