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The year 1688 in science and technology included a number of events, some of which are listed here.

Astronomy

  • The constellation Sceptrum Brandenburgicum is named by Gottfried Kirch.

Exploration

  • A French Jesuit scientific mission led by Jean de Fontaney arrives in China.

Mathematics

  • Simon de la Loubère introduces the Siamese method for constructing any size of n-odd magic square to Western Europe.

Technology

  • Earliest known mention of the balalaika.

Births

  • January 29 – Emanuel Swedenborg, Swedish scientist and theologian (died 1772)
  • April 4 – Joseph-Nicolas Delisle, French astronomer (died 1768)
  • August 14 – Johann Leonhard Rost, German astronomer (died 1727)
  • September 26 – Willem 's Gravesande, Dutch polymath (died 1742)
  • November 15 – Louis Bertrand Castel, French Jesuit mathematician and physicist (died 1757)

Deaths

  • January 28 – Ferdinand Verbiest, Flemish Jesuit astronomer in China (born 1623)
  • October 9 – Claude Perrault, French architect and physicist (born 1613)
  • November 11 – Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, French horticulturalist (born 1626)

References