Mathematical Treasures - Italian compass

Author(s):

Frank J. Swetz and Victor J. Katz

This Italian compass of the 15th century displays a high level of workmanship. Its scales allow for conversion of Roman linear measuring units to other contemporary systems. The compass was more than a mere measuring instrument, it was a computing device.

Index of Mathematical Treasures

Index of Mathematical Objects

Frank J. Swetz and Victor J. Katz, "Mathematical Treasures - Italian compass," Convergence (January 2011)

Convergence