‘A sincere hand and a faithful eye’: the many interests of Robert Hooke (1635–1703)

Abstract

Since the tercentenary of Hooke’s death, Hooke’s polymathic interests have received much scholarly attention. This paper discusses his interests as reflected via his drawings, which are perhaps less well known. His drawings played an important part in scientific record-keeping at the Royal Society and enabled visualisation of manufacturing processes, objects, mechanisms and theories. His graphic skills were important tools for his observational and empirical studies. Hooke’s artistic ability is therefore a worthy addition to his many-sided talents.