Museo Galileo
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Virtual Museum
Folding rule
    • Setting:
      Room V
    • Maker:
      James Kynvyn
    • Place:
      London
    • Date:
      1595
    • Materials:
      brass
    • Dimensions:
      length 660 mm
    • Inventory:
      2516
    • Folding rule (Inv. 2516)
    • Folding rule (Inv. 2516)

Made by James Kynvyn, this rule consists of two legs graduated into 770 parts and a protractor at the swivel joint (180°). The grooved legs contain two flat arms that, when folded out and joined at a right angle, form the shadow square. The folding rule was used to measure angles, heights, and distances. Provenance: Robert Dudley bequest to the Medici collections.