Mathematical Treasure: Metius on Geography and Measurement

Adriaan Adriaanszoon (1571-1635), more commonly known as Adriaan Metius, was a Dutch geometer, astronomer, surveyor, and instrument maker. In 1624 he published Institutio geographica, a book that promoted and demonstrated the use of measuring instruments in studying physical properties of the world. The first page of text is shown below.

Metius effectively promoted his instruments through instructive illustrations.

The images above are presented courtesy of the History of Science Collections, University of Oklahoma Libraries.

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