Instruments and artisanal practices in long distance oceanic voyages

Abstract

Scientific instruments are not neutral artefacts; the perception of their value is greatly determined not only by the objects themselves and the function they perform, but also by the context of their use. In the 16th and 17th centuries, scientific instruments – not only nautical ones – acquired a prominent place in European societies that greatly transcended the specific narrow professional circles that used them. This has already been noted as being an important feature in the development of science in early modern Europe. But exactly how did this happen? Following other recent studies, I argue in this paper that in order to understand this phenomenon one has to look carefully at artisanal practices of the period.

Two sixteenth-century nautical charts of the South Atlantic Ocean: an early example of cartography used at sea

“…The production context of the charts is evidenced through a description of the manuscript copying technique most likely employed, and the rules governing chart manufacture in 16th-century Portugal. Exceptional aspects of the charts' placenames are discussed, and a possible source for their geographical design is identified.1 This process, as well as the social meanings acquired by navigational instruments, is discussed in Leitão (2018). For a sociological study on navigation with an interesting interpretation of the role of instruments, see Hutchins (1995).…”

“… 1 This process, as well as the social meanings acquired by navigational instruments, is discussed in Leitão (2018). For a sociological study on navigation with an interesting interpretation of the role of instruments, see Hutchins (1995).…”