Instrument of the Primum Mobile - Vintage Quality Solid Brass Model

Description

Vintage etched solid sheet brass copy of the 16th century mathematical scientific instrument The Instrument of the Primum Mobile
also called the quadrant of Petrus Apianus, because he invented it and described it in the treatise "Instrumentum Primi Mobilis" (Nuremberg, 1524). Used to find sines and cosines.
Original made by Ignazio Danti (Italian, Perugia 1536–1586 Alstri).
It bears the initials 'F.E.D.P.F.' (Frater Egnatius C Dantis Predicatum Fecit). Ignazio Danti dedicated it to Cosimo I de' Medici, as attested by the Medici coat of arms engraved near the bottom. The instrument was depicted on the ceiling of the Stanzino delle Matematiche in the Uffizi Gallery. The original resides in the
Museo Galileo - Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Florence, and was exhibited at Metropolitan Museum NYC in
"Making Marvels: Science and Splendor at the Courts of Europe," Nov-18-2019-Mar-01-2020. This exact copy measures 12 1/4" by 15 1/4". Unmarked. From the estate of prominent designer Paul MacAlister (1901-1990) who was very interested in antique scientific instruments.
In 1974 he designed a cardboard kit to recreate an astrolabe, an astronomical instrument with a history going back to ancient times. The kit was published as part of a book by Roderick S. Webster titled “The Astrolabe. Some notes on its History, Construction and Use”. Probably made in the mid 20th century. I have been unable to find another like it except for the original.
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This is a great old surveyor's level.
Approximately 17 1/2" long. Very heavy, weighs nearly 10 lbs.
All metal construction. Large level beneath the scope.
Made by W. & L.E. Gurley in Troy, NY and accordingly marked. Also bears the model (or serial) number 630024. The base has the impressed number "3 1/2 - 8TBAS" (?).
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