This second volume by Silvio Bedini pursues themes set out in his previous collection; the main focus is, again, on Italy, but the scope is broadened to include other parts of Europe. Three elements combined in the evolution and production of scientific instruments: purpose or function, the patron, and the artisans. The first studies here look at the patrons of science, the collections they established and their evolution into museums, and then at some of the artisans who made fine instruments. The second section deals with techniques and instruments. With the adoption of mathematical techniques for measurement - of time, in navigation and surveying and weighing - came the development of tools which grew in precision to the degree that they became part of science. From the toys and curiosities of princes and wealthy prelates, instruments became more functional in response to the new requirements resulting from each new discovery.
Format: Hardback
CONTRIBUTORS: Silvio A. Bedini
EAN: 9780860787815
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
PAGES: 352
WEIGHT: 603 g
HEIGHT:
PUBLISHED BY: Taylor & Francis Ltd
DATE PUBLISHED: 1999-04-28
CITY:
GENRE: MATHEMATICS / Applied, SCIENCE / History, SCIENCE / Scientific Instruments, SCIENCE / Laboratory Techniques, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Technology Studies
WIDTH:
SPINE:
Book Themes:
17th century, c 1600 to c 1699, 18th century, c 1700 to c 1799, Maths for scientists, Scientific equipment, experiments and techniques, History of science
Silvio A. Bedini, Emeritus Smithsonian Institution, Washington, USA