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# Augustine Ryther and the Emergence of Scientific Instrument Crafting in 16th-Century England
The field of scientific instrument crafting in England had a gradual start when juxtaposed with its counterparts on the continent. In cities such as Nürnberg, Prague, Northern Italy, and the Netherlands, the manufacturing of mathematical and scientific tools was thoroughly established well before England made its debut. The renowned mathematician and astronomer Regiomontanus (1436–1476) moved to Nürnberg in the 15th century largely due to the city’s esteemed reputation for producing scientific instruments.
England remained notably behind until the mid-16th century, when individuals such as Thomas Gemini (c. 1510–1562) and Humfrey Cole (c. 1530–1591) introduced the professional practice of instrument crafting to London. Once this was set in motion, the craft spread rapidly, driven by the growing demands of England’s emerging maritime empire.
Among the pioneering figures who contributed to establishing and advancing this profession was Augustine Ryther (fl. 1576–1593), recognized both for his groundbreaking work in copperplate engraving and his creation of superior scientific instruments.
## Augustine Ryther: Background and Initial Contributions
Not much is known about Ryther’s origins. Sources from the late 19th century, such as Lionel Henry Cust’s entry in the Dictionary of National Biography, suggest that Ryther came from Leeds and was linked to the Yorkshire Ryther family. However, there is no conclusive evidence to substantiate these claims, apart from his professional ties to Christopher Saxton (c.1540–c.1610), another individual from Yorkshire.
Ryther initially made a notable impact through his engraving skills. He contributed to Saxton’s Atlas of the Counties of England and Wales (1576–1579)—the first printed atlas of England—as the sole English engraver among Flemish contemporaries such as Remigius Hogenberg and Leonard Terwoort. His maps of Durham, Westmorland, Gloucester, York, and the overall map of England and Wales serve as early reflections of his talent. Each was modestly but proudly inscribed, “Augustine Ryther Anglus” (Englishman).
## Nautical Cartography and The Spanish Armada
Ryther’s prominence continued throughout the 1580s as he created maps for The Mariner’s Mirrour (1588), an English rendition of the Dutch Spieghel der zeevaerdt by Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer. This atlas of nautical charts and sailing directions, commissioned by the Admiralty and translated by Sir Anthony Ashley, assisted in preparing English sailors for deep-sea voyages.
In 1590, Ryther released his own English translation of Petruccio Ubaldini’s Italian manuscript recounting the defeat of the Spanish Armada. His work, A Discourse Concerning the Spanishe Fleete Invading Englande, included ten detailed charts, likely based on sketches by Robert Adams, mapping the Armada’s route around England’s coasts. These publications served not only as military accounts but also as practical resources for future naval operations.
## Scientific Instrument Crafting
Though primarily acknowledged for his engraving, Ryther was also engaged in scientific instrument crafting, with two known surviving artifacts showcasing his expertise:
– **A Theodolite (1590):** This sophisticated tool for surveying and measuring angles features a horizontal circle, magnetic compass, and a diopter with a vertical semicircle. Currently held in the Museo Galileo in Florence, this stands as one of the earliest known theodolites, highlighting Ryther’s technical proficiency.
– **A Portable Sundial Compendium (1588):** Merging a sundial, compass, and a table of European cities alongside their latitudes, this portable device represents the multifunctional scientific instruments favored by navigators and scholars. It is preserved in the Science Museum Group Collection.
Both instruments exhibit remarkable craftsmanship and advanced scientific knowledge, positioning Ryther among contemporary continental standards.
## Commercial Integration: Joining the Grocers’ Company
During this era, scientific instrument crafting was still a nascent profession without its own guild in England. Hence, instrument makers joined existing livery companies to acquire professional recognition and the opportunity to train apprentices.
Ryther became a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Grocers, a seemingly atypical choice considering the company’s origins in overseeing the spice trade. Nonetheless, the Grocers expanded into a wider trading entity, ranking second among the Great Twelve City Livery Companies of London, and held significant political power. Membership would have provided Ryther with the commercial and social leverage needed to thrive in London’s competitive landscape.
## Collaborations with Key Individuals
Ryther’s professional relationships further cemented his place at the forefront of England’s scientific and navigational progress:
– **Christopher Saxton:** Ryther’s maps were instrumental in creating the first printed atlas of English counties.
– **Sir Anthony Ashley and the Admiralty:** His contributions to The