Mariner’s Astrolabe

  The interest in sailing prompted the design of better instruments like the cross staff helped determine latitude but it had drawbacks. The quadrant was also used but was too sensitive. The portuguese founded nautical schools dedicated to sailing in the early 15th century. Those schools led to developments in sailing instruments. The mariner’s astrolabe addressed two problems: ocean motion and wind. It is made of heavy brass with slots cut in its center. It was a two-handed instrument used to read angles above the horizon. It was combined with ancient star charts to determine latitude. 

Double-Entry Bookkeeping

The Romans had sophisticated accounting techniques. Europe slowly recovered after Romans had sophisticated accounting techniques. Europe slowly recovered after Rome’s collapse. Italy recovered faster due to its closeness to the Pope. As the merchant economies became money-based and accelerated more sophisticated methods were needed. Double-entry bookkeeping enters each transaction. Double-entry bookkeeping keeps everything balanced. Two entries must be made for everyone tradsction. Being the victim of theft reduces your equity. Luca Pacioli’s book was a commercial success within the merchant class. Double-entry bookkeeping protects you from theft. It raises the price to steal from a shrewd business. Most criminals are stuped and can’t defeat the system. Its benefits increase your wealth and protect you from theft.

Luca Pacioli 

Luca pacioli gained an interest in math and arithmetic from an early age. He moved to Venice when he was 20. He became a friar when he was about 30. Luca taught math and arithmetic at numerous universities. He returned to his hometown just before he turned 50 and wrote his most famous book. Luca’s most famous book is a practical business handbook. It wasn’t original except in how it compiled all the knowledge of the day. He wrote about the application of math and geometry to art and architure. He wrote about chess with illustrations by Leonardo da vinci. Pacioli was invited to milan in 1496 where he met Leonardo da vinci. Pacioli moved to Florence and taught geometry at the university in 1500. His book benefited from the recently invented printing press. He wrote clearly which made his books popular. Pecioli’s biggest impact is the popularization of double-entry accounting. He made mistakes but they led to further discoveries. 

Leonado da Vinci

Leonardo was the son of a rich government official and had 12 siblings. He received an informal education in Latin, geometry,and math as a child . He apprenticed under a master painter in Florence when he was 14. He was a master painter by the time he was 20. He was being paid to paint by his late 20’s. He was a naturally gifted child who couldn’t focus. He drew a lot and paid attention to the details. He became a military engineer. He understood mechanics and drew detailed designs for inventions. His most famous works are The Mona Lisa and the Last Supper. He gained early renown for collaborating on The Baptism of Christ. He was supported by the Duke of Milan through 1499. He was supported by the king of France after 1562. Da Vinci is described as a “Renaissance Man”. A renaissance man is supposed to have diverse Knowledge and skills. Da Vinci was a talented artist but not a good investor. He struggled to finish the projects he started. He is mostly remembered for The Mona Lisa.