Mathematical Compendium
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 16th century
This mathematical compendium is a gilt brass and silver instrument constructed in the form of a clock, measuring 198 x 200 x 90 mm. It is signed by Hans Christoph Schissler the younger.
The structure consists of a rectangular brass plinth resting on four feet, featuring four turned pillars that support a top plate adorned with silver finials. The instrument integrates numerous functional components including an astrolabe, a geographical mirror, and a compass with a calendar on its base. An alidade with sights and a vertical scale is hinged to the top plate, accompanied by a pendulum level. A hinged square plate features an hour circle with Roman numerals and intricate pierced spandrels.
Additional features include a planisphere, a table of ruling planets, and a sundial with a folding pin-gnomon. It is stored within a leather case decorated with gold tooling.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- German mathematical compendium
- Maker
- Hans Christoph Schissler jr
- Origin
- German
- Materials
- Gilt brass and silver
- Dimensions
- 198 x 200 x 90 mm
- Provenance
- Prince Mattias de' Medici
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Christoph Schissler jr
Design
- Visible features
- • Case includes gold-tooled leather decorative elements. • One silver finial is missing from the top plate. • Instrument includes a compass mounted on the base. • Front plate features pierced spandrels with foliate decoration.
- Structural Design and Layout
- The instrument is built in the form of a clock, comprising a rectangular brass plinth supported by four feet. Four turned pillars extend upwards to support a top plate, which is decorated with silver finials. The instrument utilizes a system of hinged plates and components to provide multiple functions within a compact form factor. A hinged square plate on the front includes an hour circle, numbered with Roman numerals, and pierced spandrels. The base incorporates a compass oriented horizontally, which features a calendar on its external surface. A leather-covered case, featuring gold decorative tooling and secured with pivoted catches, houses the instrument.
- Signature and Historical Context
- The instrument is signed by Hans Christoph Schissler the younger, who is identified in the records as the son of another instrument maker. The signature is found on the front of the hinged plate alongside the cardinal points in Latin. Historical documentation indicates that the compendium was part of a collection brought from Germany to Italy by Prince Mattias de' Medici in 1635. The instrument is held by the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence.
- Functional Components and Astrolabe
- The compendium serves multiple mathematical and observational functions. It features an astrolabe, a geographical mirror, and an alidade equipped with pinhole and window sights. A plumb-line is situated between the pillars on one side, and a vertical scale, graduated in degrees, is positioned to allow for height measurements. The instrument includes a silvered plate featuring circles for the daily path of the sun, marked for zodiac signs and hour lines. A gilt brass planisphere is engraved with continent names and five cities. The back of the hinged plate contains a circular table of ruling planets, which opens to reveal a sundial with a folding pin-gnomon and a degree scale.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 2467
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The upper glass level appears to have no current function and components may be missing.
- Research required: The exact date of manufacture is broadly identified as late 16th century.