concept

A female figure among astronomical apparatus: representing astronomy. Stipple engraving, 1795, after C-N. Cochin the younger, 1773.

Two men studying a corpse by the light of a candle stuck in its chest. Etching after a drawing attributed to Polidoro Caldara (Polidoro da Caravaggio).

A female figure among astronomical apparatus: representing astronomy. Etching by F.D. Née after C-N. Cochin the younger, 1773.

The phrenologist Bernard Hollander illustrating with his own head his system of cranial measurements. Photographs, c. 1902.

Figures with measuring instruments and a cannon; representing geometry and military science. Etching by C. Schut after himself.

Urania, the muse of astronomy. Engraving by L. Kilian (?), 16--.

A woman with measuring instruments; representing geometry. Engraving by E. Delaune, ca. 1560.

A woman holding a compass and a square rule; representing architecture. Engraving by E. Delaune, ca. 1560.

Freemasons' symbols, from architectural instruments to cosmic symbols, with an eye looking downward. Etching, 1788.

A female nude draws a compass over a globe; representing astrology. Engraving attributed to G. Bonasone, 1544.

A female figure with a castle on her head measures a globe with a compass; representing geometry. Engraving by A. Vallée after M. de Vos.

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Measuring instruments

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A woman with measuring instruments; representing geometry. Engraving by E. Delaune, ca. 1560.

A woman holding a compass and a square rule; representing architecture. Engraving by E. Delaune, ca. 1560.

Freemasons' symbols, from architectural instruments to cosmic symbols, with an eye looking downward. Etching, 1788.

A female nude draws a compass over a globe; representing astrology. Engraving attributed to G. Bonasone, 1544.

A female figure with a castle on her head measures a globe with a compass; representing geometry. Engraving by A. Vallée after M. de Vos.