 Trattato di diversi istrumenti matematici... ms, Drawing of a level. |
In the first half of the sixteenth century the Tuscan constructors of mathematical instruments imitated, on the whole, the more sophisticated models produced by the craftsmen of other nations, the Germans in particular. With the coming to power of Cosimo I (1519-73), and later with his successors Francesco I (1541-87) and Ferdinando I (1549-1609), the presence of scientists particularly well versed in celestial observations and practical mathematics, such as P. Egnazio Danti (1536-86), encouraged significant progress in local production. As can be seen from the pieces displayed in this room, Egnazio Danti and Baldassarre Lanci (who died in 1571) produced instruments for astronomy, perspective drawing, navigation and cartography of extremely high aestetic value, as well as good quality and precision. |