Museo Galileo
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Virtual Museum
Surveying compass
    • Setting:
      Room VI
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Date:
      17th cent.
    • Materials:
      brass
    • Dimensions:
      diameter 95 mm
    • Inventory:
      1279
    • Surveying compass (Inv. 1279)

Surveying compass consisting of a circular plate along whose edge are inscribed two degree scales: one divided into eight 45° sectors, in keeping with the traditional layout of the windrose, the other divided into four 90° sectors. At the center is the compass, but it lacks the magnetic needle and a lid. This richly ornamented instrument belonged to Vincenzo Viviani.