Museo Galileo
italiano
Virtual Museum
In-depth
Metal scale
Metal scale

Scale included in proportional compasses, most notably in Galileo's (1564-1642) geometric and military compass. Served to compute weight/volume ratios, with a specific application in the military field for measuring calibers. The materials indicated on the Galilean compass are: gold, lead, silver, copper, iron, tin, marble, and stone.