Drawing instruments: Theories and practices from history to didactics (Q1126874)

The paper surveys some key steps in the history of linkages and drawing instruments and reports a research on some very interesting didactical experiences at secondary and university levels. It is shown how this topic of drawing instruments becomes an excellent tool to learn geometry, proofs and many basic mathematical concepts. Interested people may visit the author's website http://www.museo.unimo.it/theatrum/. The complete catalogue of the models of Mathematical Machines stored in Modena is also available on CD-ROM.