First Demonstration of a Gimbal Mounted Gyroscope by J.G.F. Bohnenberger

摘要

Johann Gottlieb Bohnenberger (1765-1831) was a Professor of physics, mathematics, and astronomy at the University of Tubingen, Germany, as well as the scientific head surveying officer of the Kingdom of Wiirttemberg. He made not only significant contributions to introducing modern geodesy in Germany but also constructed various physical instruments. The "Machine of Bohnenberger" is considered to be the first gyro with cardanic suspension and forms the precursor of J.B.L. Foucault's Gyroscope of 1852. Up to now, there are only a few sources dealing with the historical background of Bohnenberger's development and with the initial dissemination of his Machine. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present some new information and to shed light on the historical context.