Mathematical Treasure: Peter Apian’s Instrument Buch

Peter Apian (1495–1552) was a German astronomer, mathematician, instrument maker, and prolific author—note his multiple entries in the Index to Mathematical Treasures. In 1533, he published an “Instrument Book” that discussed a variety of new forms of instruments such as the quadrant and Jacob’s staff. These instruments could be used for surveying, navigating, and timekeeping both during the day and at night.

Apian’s text included diagrams of the scales that could be engraved on quadrants for various purposes.

He also showed the weight (in the left margin) that was suspended from a quadrant in order to take measurements.

Constellations were depicted as well.

The images above are provided courtesy of Bamberg State Library. A full digitization of this book is available here.

Index to Mathematical Treasures