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Galileo's Military Compass: Detail

During the winter of 1603-1604, Galileo (upper left) visited the court of the Vincenzo Gonzaga, the Duke of Mantua (upper right), in an effort to obtain a position as court mathematician there. He impressed the Duke with a gift of this geometrical and military compass, on whose hinge (lower left) he had inscribed the Duke's coat of arms (lower right), and an instruction manual to go with it.

In the end, Galileo and the Duke could not work out a deal, and Galileo returned to Padua. But the Duke did award Galileo a gold chain, a medal, and two silver dishes.

For a full description of the workings this instrument, visit the Museo Galileo, Florence, Italy.

CHSI Inv. Number DW0950
Date: circa 1604
Marc'Antonio Mazzoleni

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