Vernacular geometry: between the senses and reason

Abstract

In 1571, Thomas Digges saw a work entitled A geometrical practise, named pantometria (hereafter Pantometria) through the press. The first three books of the work were based heavily on manuscripts prepared by Thomas' father, Leonard, and instructed on the measurement of lengths, areas, and volumes respectively. To these three books, Thomas added his own appendix on geometrical solids. In offering these materials together in one vernacular publication, Digges suggested the feasibility of uniting abstract geometry with practical pursuits for presentation to an English-reading audience.