Four-Point Compasses

From Inventions

Name currently used for the reduction compasses.

Description

Also called double compasses or "compass with double points" (Muzio Oddi, Fabbrica et uso del compasso polimetro [Construction and operation of the polymeter compass] Milan 1633, introduction), the instrument was used as a proportional compasses, for measuring simple proportional ratios, or as a reduction compasses to enlarge or reduce drawings. The compass was composed of two intersecting legs with points on all ends and a fixed or variable pivot depending on the proportional ratios desired. Ancient examples of this instrument have been found in the excavations of Pompeii.

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Author of the entry: Filippo Camerota