Apian, Peter

NAME: Apian, Peter

ACHIEVEMENT(S): Pioneer in astronomical and geographical instrumentation.

NICKNAME/ALIAS: Bienewitz (or Bennewitz), Peter

DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: April 16, 1495, Ingolstadt, Germany

DATE/PLACE of DEATH/AGE AT DEATH: April 21, 1552, Ingolstadt, Germany; Aged 57

DISCIPLINE: Astronomer/geographer

FIELD: Astronomy/geography

LANGUAGE: German

PARENTS: Names unknown

SIBLINGS: Unknown

SPOUSE: Unknown

CHILDREN: Philipp Apian (professor of mathematics at Tubingen University)

EDUCATION: Universities of Leipzig and Vienna

MAJOR WORK: "Cosmographia seu descriptio totius orbis"

LIFE AND TIMES:

Apian studied mathematics and astronomy at the Universities of Leipzig and Vienna during the 1510s, and soon became known as an outstanding mathematician. In 1520 he published his first work, "Typus orbis universalis," a world map based on the maps of Waldseemuller*. In 1521, Apian published "Isagoge," a commentary on the his earlier work, and on contemporary geography.

During the 15th and early 16th centuries progress in navigation, ship design and construction, instruments for observation, astronomy, and general use of the compass led to a great improvement in maps and encouraged exploration and discovery. Geographic knowledge was increased even further by the discoveries of Columbus, da Gama, Vespucci, Cabot, Magellan, and others. "Modern" maps were being added to re-editions of the classical Greek cartographer Ptolemy, showing new land discoveries.

In 1524, Apian produced his first major work, "Cosmographia seu descriptio totius orbis", based on the cosmography of Ptolemy*. Apian's work, an illustrated textbook of geography, astronomy, history, and the natural sciences, became extremely popular.

Using simple diagrams and maps, it defined terrestrial grids, explained the use of maps and simple surveying, described weather and climate, and provided a sketch of the continents. In its later form the "Cosmographia" ran to fifteen editions and was translated into all major European languages. Its success led to Apian's appointment as professor of mathematics at the University of Ingolstadt, where he remained until his death.

Although Apian's major contribution to cartography was more as compiler and publisher than mapmaker, he produced a world map, maps of Hungary and France (all of which survive), and the first large-scale map of Europe (now lost).

In 1534, he published his "Instrumentum sinuum sive primi mobilis", a book of astronomical tables for which he calculated the sines for every minute, with the radius divided decimally (the first such tables ever printed).

In his "Cosmographia", Apian recommended the use of lunar distances to measure longitude, and in his second major work, "Astronomicon Caesareum" of 1540, he suggested the use of solar eclipses for the same purpose. In "Astronomicon" he made several original observations about comets with a description of the appearances and characteristics of five comets, including what would one day be called Halley's Comet. He observed that comets point their tails away from the sun.

He also proposed the use of simple mechanical devices, particularly valvelles, to measure the position and movement of celestial bodies. He designed a quadrant and armillary sphere, two astronomical instruments that were widely used in his day.

He was knighted by Charles V*. Apian's son Philipp was professor of mathematics at the University of Tubingen, where, from 1573-75, the influential astronomer Maestlin* worked as his assistant.

ASSESSMENT: Designed the first large-scale map of Europe.

EXTRA CONNECTIONS: None

ONELINER: Peter Apian, early cartographer

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

EB, DSB