Mathematical Treasure: Peter Apian's Manual on Quadrant Use

Among the many talents of Peter Apian (1495-1552) was that of mathematical instrument maker. It would seem natural that he would write about the instruments he made and how to use them. This “self-promotion” is expressed in his 1532 Quadrans Apiani astronomicus ..., an instructional manual on the use of the quadrant.

Simple applications involving use of shadows are demonstrated.

More complicated measuring situations involve some creative thinking.

The images above are provided courtesy of Columbia University Libraries. A copy of this work is also available in its entirety in the Internet Archive.

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