Lapis Polaris Magnes, invention of the compass, Stradanus by Phis Galle, 1591
Jan Van der Straet
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The invention of the compass
From “Nova Reperta”, plate Nr.2 :: Seated to right, seen on profile, Flavio Amalfitano at his desk measuring a compass while reading a book; a globe and an hourglass also seen on his desk and a dog at bis feet; opposite him, floating on air, a sailing ship and below another desk with books and an astrolabe globe; a large recipient filled with liquid and a stone at centre seen in the foreground, to left.
Seated to right, seen on profile, Flavio Amalfitano at his desk measuring a compass while reading a book; a globe and an hourglass also seen on his desk and a dog at bis feet; opposite him, floating on air, a sailing ship and below another desk with books and an astrolabe globe; a large recipient filled with liquid and a stone at centre seen in the foreground, to left.
Flavio Gioia or Biondo from Amalfi is credited with inventing the compass.
In combination with the movement and the sextant, one is able to determine place and route.
The print depicts various earths, compasses, measuring angles, a compass and an hourglass that are used by the scientist.