Museo Galileo
italiano
previous
Virtual Museum
Surveying compass
    • Setting:
      Room VI
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Date:
      17th cent.
    • Materials:
      brass
    • Dimensions:
      diameter 265 mm
    • Inventory:
      3371
    • Surveying compass (Inv. 3371)

Surveying compass consisting of a circular plate whose circumference carries a degree scale divided into eight 45° sectors. At the center is the windrose, containing a compass complete with glass and magnetic needle. Around the compass rotates the diopter with sights, at whose ends is attached a half-square circumscribing the main disk. There is a cardboard case, with iron reinforcements and a wooden lining, divided into three compartments. Provenance: Medici collections.