Mathematical Treasure: Schott's Mathematics and Physics

Gaspar Schott (1608-1666) was a German Jesuit priest and experimental scientist. He studied mathematics under Athanasius Kircher and remained his associate and colleague throughout his life. Schott eventually became Professor of Mathematics at Würzburg. His most famous published work was Magia universalis naturae et artis, (4 vols., 1657-1659). Its contents focused on mathematical problems and physics experiments. The title page for the first volume is shown below.

Appearing at the bottom of the frontispiece print in the first volume are a wide assortment of instruments related to optics, acoustics, mathematics and physics.

The images above are presented courtesy of the University of Oklahoma Library.

Index to Mathematical Treasures