 Use of the Jiacob's bar |
Two separate groups of exhibits of top quality and scientific interest are displayed in this room, which holds part of the Medicean collection of mathematical instruments consisting of devices manufactured outside of Italy. The first group is composed of the instruments purchased in Germany by Mattias dei Medici (1613-67), brother of Ferdinando II (1630-70) and commander of the Tuscan militia engaged in the war against the Turks. This group contains a number of true masterpieces of scientific craftsmanship: quadrants astrolabes and compasses signed by the most famous German constructors. The second group is formed by the legacy of Robert Dudley, Duke of Northumberland (1573-1649) and great collector of the early English precision instruments, termed "Elizabethan" because they were constructed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603). Also on exhibit in this room are other important non-Italian instruments, such as one of the first mechanical adding machines, invented by Samuel Morland (1625-1699). |