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Egnazio Danti (1536–1586)

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Distinguished Figures in Descriptive Geometry and Its Applications for Mechanism Science

Part of the book series: History of Mechanism and Machine Science ((HMMS,volume 30))

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Abstract

Egnazio Danti, mathematician and cosmographer, is deep down a Renaissance man. A complex personality, characterized by great cultural and multiple interests in the relationship between Art, Science and Technology. Professor of mathematics in Florence and then at the University of Bologna, Cosmographer at the court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, he was a skilled designer and manufacturer of scientific instruments. But also geographer, ‘descriptor corographicus’ (chorograph), expert measurer, iconographer creator of allegories and iconographic programs, engineer, painter. His contribution to the science of perspective is significant. In fact, he published two important works in the European panorama of scientific studies and production of the sixteenth century: “La prospettiva di Euclide (The perspective of Euclid)” in 1573 and “Le due regole della prospettiva pratica di J.B. da Vignola (The two rules of the practical perspective of JB da Vignola)” in 1583. Remarkable and innovative was also his contribution to the design and construction of instruments for the realization of perspective from real, and in the invention and development of a particular type of vertical anemoscope. Equally important was his contribution in the sixteenth century to the dissemination of knowledge for the construction and use of the astrolabe, of the armillary sphere, and of the Latin radium, a widespread measuring instrument.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of L’Aquila, via G. Gronchi 18, 67100, L’Aquila, Italy

    Mario Centofanti

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Correspondence to Mario Centofanti .

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  1. Dept of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and South Latium, Cassino, Italy

    Michela Cigola

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Centofanti, M. (2016). Egnazio Danti (1536–1586). In: Cigola, M. (eds) Distinguished Figures in Descriptive Geometry and Its Applications for Mechanism Science. History of Mechanism and Machine Science, vol 30. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20197-9_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20197-9_6

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