Mathematical Treasure: Fine's Le Sphere du Monde Manuscript

Oronce Fine (1494–1555), expert in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and mapmaking, completed his Le sphere du monde in 1549 as an illustrated presentation manuscript for King Henry II of France.

Opening page of the text addressed to the King:

Below, page 7 of Le sphere contains a diagram depicting the interactions of “the four elements.”

Two diagrams of compass points with spherical divisions.

A design for a sundial.

See images from Fine’s 1551 printed edition of Le sphere du monde.

The images above were obtained through the cooperation of The Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Index to Mathematical Treasures