Museo Galileo
italiano
Virtual Museum
Caliper compass
    • Setting:
      Room VI
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Place:
      Italian
    • Date:
      17th cent.
    • Materials:
      brass
    • Dimensions:
      length 220 mm
    • Inventory:
      652, 3706
    • Caliper compass (Inv. 652, 3706)
    • Caliper compass (Inv. 652, 3706)

Caliper compass consisting of two arched legs displaying small straight marks at the hinge point. The straight marks move along a small graduated arc. Was used to measure the diameter of columns, and the caliber and weight of bronze, iron, lead, and stone shot: each substance had its own scale inscribed on the graduated arc. Provenance: Medici collections.