The instruments displayed here were purchased by Prince Mattias (1613-1667) while in Germany at the command of the Medicean Army during the Thirty Years' War. In addition to splendid quadrants, astrolabes and precious cases of mathematical instruments, the Prince bought sophisticated mining instruments for digging tunnels, and original topographic and military devices such as the rifle-shaped surveying instrument of Wentzel Jamnitzer (1507/1508-1585).