Patrons, Artisans and Instruments of Science, 1600-1750

This second volume by Silvio Bedini pursues themes set out in his previous collection; the main focus is, again, on Italy, but the scope is broadened to include other parts of Europe. Three elements combined in the evolution and production of scientific instruments: purpose or function, the patron, and the artisans. The first studies here look at the patrons of science, the collections they established and their evolution into museums, and then at some of the artisans who made fine instruments. The second section deals with techniques and instruments. With the adoption of mathematical techniques for measurement - of time, in navigation and surveying and weighing - came the development of tools which grew in precision to the degree that they became part of science. From the toys and curiosities of princes and wealthy prelates, instruments became more functional in response to the new requirements resulting from each new discovery.