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Using a quadrant with a plumb bob to calculate the height of a tower by triangulation, 1551
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Using a quadrant with a plumb bob to calculate the height of a tower by triangulation, 1551
Using a quadrant with a plumb bob to calculate the height of a tower by triangulation, 1551. From Rudimenta Mathematica by Sebastian Munster. (Basel, 1551)
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Media ID 14865526
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Arithmetic Calculation Height Mathematical Instrument Mathematics Maths Measurement Measuring Munster Oxford Science Archive Quadrant Sebastian Sebastian Munster Surveying Plumb Bob Triangulation
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1551 showcases the ingenuity of early surveying techniques. In this image, we witness a male figure utilizing a quadrant with a plumb bob to calculate the height of a towering structure through triangulation. The man's focused expression reflects his dedication to precision and accuracy in his mathematical calculations. The woodcut print, featured in Sebastian Munster's Rudimenta Mathematica, offers us a glimpse into the world of measurement and mathematics during the 16th century. It serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding. The intricate details within this monochrome artwork highlight both the complexity and simplicity of mathematical instruments used at that time. The carefully crafted quadrant symbolizes an era when such tools were crucial for scientific exploration. As we observe this scene frozen in time, it is evident that these early mathematicians paved the way for modern surveying techniques still employed today. Their work laid the foundation upon which future generations would build their understanding of spatial measurements. This historical artifact preserved by Oxford Science Archive reminds us not only of our ancestors' intellectual achievements but also encourages us to appreciate how far we have come in our quest for knowledge about our physical surroundings.
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