Scioptric ball

The scioptic ball is a universal joint that allows a microscope, mounted on the ball, to be swiveled into any position. Its invention was inspired by studies of the human eye. The scioptic ball provided a firm anchor for a microscope or telescope while allowing the telescope to be swiveled in all directions in order to follow the course of an eclipse or for drawing panoramic views. It was in some ways the first wide-angle lens.

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History

The mathematician Daniel Schwenter (1585-1636) is credited with developing the scioptic ball in 1636. In 1685, Johann Zahn illustrated a large workshop camera obscura for solar observations using the telescope and scioptic ball.

Sources

• Scioptic Ball
• Picture of an 18th century scioptic ball