Who Invented the Pantograph?

Christoph Scheiner (ca. 1573-1650) was a German Jesuit priest, an astronomer, and a physicist. Scheiner is credited with being the inventor of the pantograph, in 1630, a linkage mechanism that allows the duplication or scale-altering of a given diagram or drawing.

Who built the first pantograph and when?

Christopher Scheiner, a German Jesuit, was responsible for designing and building the first pantograph in 1603. An illustration of the device can be seen in his 1630 book, Rosa ursina Sive Sol, along with other instruments he invented including a refracting telescope.

What is the purpose of pantograph?

Pantograph, instrument for duplicating a motion or copying a geometric shape to a reduced or enlarged scale.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.