Mathematical instruments in the writings and in the hand of practitioners: geometric square, from Gerbert to Gall
type: Item
instance of: scholarly article
zbMATH Open document ID: 1271.01011
author: Samuel Gessner
publication date: 2013-07-02T00:00:00Z
Mathematics Subject Classification ID: 01A45
Mathematics Subject Classification ID: 01A35
Mathematics Subject Classification ID: 01A40
zbMATH DE Number: 6183038
zbMATH Keywords: mathematical instruments
zbMATH Keywords: geometric square
zbMATH Keywords: Gerbert d'Aurillac
zbMATH Keywords: Chrisostomus Gall
MaRDI profile type: Publication
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title: Mathematical instruments in the writings and in the hand of practitioners: geometric square, from Gerbert to Gall
published in: Boletim da Sociedade Portuguesa de Matemática
review text: The geometric square (quadratum geometricum), a portable instrument in the form of a square frame for ascertaining distances and heights by measuring angles, was first presented by Gerbert d'Aurillac (Pope Sylvester II, 946--1003) in his \textit{Geometrica}. Since that time, many European mathematicians discussed the properties of this instrument, and later there appeared producers of such a useful device. The present author elucidates the question, giving special attention to the contribution made by Portuguese priest Chrisostomus Gall S.J. (1586--1643).
reviewed by: V. N. Saliĭ
description: scientific article; zbMATH DE number 6183038