The use of simple geometry and the local unit of measurement in the design of Italian stringed keyboard instruments:

an aid to attribution and to organological analysis

 

Grant O'Brien

 

Outline of this article - click on the chapter titles below in order to read this article:

 

Introduction

 

A virginal by Franciscus Patavinus

 

A virginal made by Marcus Siculus in 1540

 

A harpsichord dated 1631 by Stefano Bolcioni

 

A virginal dated 1641 by Stefano Bolcioni

 

Further ways in which the unit of measurement was used in the design of a virginal or harpsichord

 

Limitations of the method and words of caution

 

Conclusions

 

Appendix 1 - Definitions of the Geometrical Functions

  

Equivalent Measurements

 

Authors Consulted

 

 

Tables of the Units of measurement used in the historical period in the Italian peninsula:

 

Italian_Metrology c.1500 - 1800

 

 

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