1592-1635

German astronomer and mathematician. Educated at the University of Tübingen, Schickard studied theology and oriental languages, and became a Lutheran minister in 1613. He was appointed professor of Hebrew at the University of Tübingen, and then in 1631 changed subjects to become professor of astronomy. He studied astronomy, mathematics, and surveying, and invented many calculating machines. He made significant advances in mapmaking, and corresponded with many European scientists. Schickard was also renowned as an engraver both in wood and in copperplate.