Galileo, Engineer
In the Republic of Venice, Galileo’s day-to-day work as a professor of mathematics was that of a scientist-engineer. City officials and notable individuals called upon his expertise to solve civic, military and nautical problems in engineering. He addressed practical problems in light of their general significance for physics. His work as a scientist-engineer resulted in new mathematical and scientific instruments, including the military compass, thermoscope and telescope.
History of Science
5th Floor Special Collections
This exhibit is located on the 5th Floor Special Collections, accessed through the elevators in the west main lobby of Bizzell Memorial Library. Visit History of Science for visitor information.
Exhibit Highlights
Essential items for a core understanding
Exhibit At A Glance
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Pietro Borgi, Book on Calculation (Libro de Abacho). Venice, 1517
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William Schickard, Star Viewer (Astroscopium). Stuttgart, 1698
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Gaspar Schott, On Mathematics (Organum mathematicum). Würzburg, 1668
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John Napier, A Description of the Marvelous Rule of Logarithms (Mirifici logarithmorum canonis descriptio). Edinburgh, 1614
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Seth Partridge, Description and Use of an Instrument, Called the Double Scale of Proportion ( ). London, 1692
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Demonstration Slide Rule. Chicago,
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Ada Lovelace, Notes ("Notes" to "A Sketch of the Analytical Engine invented by Charles babbage, by L.F Menabrea"). London, 1843
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Apple Computer 1984
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Abacus model
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Galileo Galilei, The Operations of the Geometrical and Military Compass, 1606 (Le Operazioni del Compasso Geometrico e Militare). Padua, 1606
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Galileo Compass replica
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Baldessar Capra, School of the Stars (Tyrocinia Astronomica). Padua, 1606
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Galileo, Defense Against the Calumnies and Impostures of Baldessar Capra! (Difesa Contro alle Calunnie & Imposture di Baldessar Capra). Venice, 1607
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Galileo Galilei, The Operations of the Geometrical and Military Compass, 1635 (Tractatus de proportionum instrumento). Strassburg, 1635
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Galileo Thermoscope replica, Bizzell Memorial Library
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Explore the Topic
Supplemental resources for a rich educational experience
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Galileo’s Compass Learn more about Galileo's compass. |
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Mathematical Instruments The invention of mathematical instruments was driven by the demands of astronomical observation. |
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Galileo's World Exhibit Guide iBook companion to the Galileo's World exhibition |
