B chapter.indd - Charles Babbage Institute - University of Minnesota

Erwin Tomash Library
Bramer, Benjamin Bramer, Benjamin
B 229
Bramer, Benjamin (ca.1588–1650)
B 228
Dritter Theil oder anhang eines berichts von M.
Johsten Burgi. Geometrischen Triangular Instrument,
Zu gar leicht kurtzen, und doch gewissen Land und
Feldmessen, wie auch andere Höhen, Tieffen, Längen
und Breiten zuermessen dienlich
b/w: Kohlhans, Johann Christoph; Neu-erfundene
Mathematische und Optische Cüriositaten,
bestehend So wohl in einem sattsamen Unterricht,
zum Feldmessen und isstüblichen Fortification.
b/w: Bramer, Benjamin; Appolonius Cattus, Oder, Kern
der gantzen Geometriæ In Drei Theil.
Year: 1684
Place: Kassel
Publisher: Ingebrands
Edition: 2nd
Language: German
Figures: engraved portrait (Burgi) frontispiece; 21 engraved
copperplates
Binding: contemporary vellum
Pagination: pp. [8], 22, [2]
Collation: A–D 4
Size: 196x133 mm
Bramer credits the instrument described here to his
brother-in-law, Joost (Jobst) Bürgi. Bürgi is most
famous for his independent invention of logarithms.
However, he did not publish until 1620, about six
years after John Napier had produced his work. A
fine instrument maker and mathematician, Bürgi was
responsible for the design of several different sectors and
other instruments. Little is known of his early life, but
from 1579 on, he was a watch and instrument maker at
the court of Duke Wilhelm IV. The instruments he made
there brought him to the notice of Emperor Rudolf II, and
Bürgi moved to his court at Prague about 1603. While
Survey instrument in use, B 229
193