Oronce Fine
1494 - 1555
Oronce Fine © mhe
French mathematician, cartographer and astronomer.
The first holder of the mathematics chair at the Collège Royal (now the Collège de France), founded in 1530. He taught there from 1532 to his death. Helped to popularise traditional mathematics and geocentric astronomy passed down by Ptolemy.
Invented various mathematical and astronomic instruments, in particular sundials, which he described in his treatises.
Key dates
1527
Publication of "Quadrans Astrolabicus".
1531
Publication of "De Solaribus Horologijs".
Publication of "Quadrantibus".
Designed an astronomic clock for the Sainte-Geneviève library (Paris).