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Galileo's Military Compass: Details

This instrument was designed for many arithmetical and geometrical calculations and has various proportional scales along both legs. It uses the properties of similar triangles as the basic mathematical principle.

Galileo’s instrument can be used to solve problems of areas and volumes, extract square and cube roots, draw polygons used in fortifications, convert currencies, and determine the best caliber of cannon balls and angle at which the cannon is aimed.

It also has a quadrant (upper image) for surveying, navigation, astronomical observations, and time finding.

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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