Two Analogue Computers in the Ottoman Era: Trigonometrıc (Sine) Quadrant and Sector

Abstract

The idea that “Technology needs to be mechanical and metallic” is one of the biggest misunderstandings of our time, which has been imposed on us by the era that we are living in. By the basic denition, technology is a unique product of human intelligence, a system aimed to design tools that will make human life easier. Thus, there have been many technological devices developed to this end since the beginning of history. Some of these devices serve directly science. Our article deals with two devices of such function which were extensively used in the Ottoman era, and which were designed by scientic knowledge while contributing to the development of science. These devices, namely sector and trigonometric quadrant, are considered analogue computers. While examining these devices, we will also point out their area of utilization and the reason for their popularity. This will also consider Galileo's military compass -which is a hybrid device of the quadrant and sector- and its relation to these devices.

Keywords

• Matematik Tarihi
• Teknoloji Tarihi
• Osmanlı Teknolojisi
• Osmanlı Matematiği
• Sektör
• Pergar-ı Nisbe
• Trigonometrik (Sinüs) Kadran
• Rubû