"Le Maire I - Proportion Compass, Early 18th Century"
Brass proportion compass signed "Le Maire à Paris" and "A la Pierre d'aiman", that is to say Pierre I Le Maire, active in Paris between about 1680 and 1745. The French proportion compass is the instrument of mathematics and engineering par excellence of the 17th and 18th centuries. This model is of excellent design, with a nice style of ornamented engraving. It is drawn with eight lines: the equal parts, the planes, the polygons, the caliber of the pieces, the strings, the solids, the metals, and the diameters of the balls and weights. Good condition of the brass and the engraving. 17.3cm closed.