Room I presents a selection of mathematical instruments of extraordinary beauty. They were acquired by various members of the Medici family, who, like many other princes of the period, were keen collectors of works of art, natural objects, and scientific instruments. The items on display here shed light on the abiding interest in practical mathematics in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, particularly in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries—an interest rooted in the medieval Tuscan scientific tradition. The most noteworthy objects in this room are the ancient Arab and European astrolabes, precious sundials, dividers (including a pair that may have belonged to Michelangelo Buonarroti), theodolites, splendid boxes containing drawing and calculation instruments, gunner's levels for determining the elevation of cannons, and levels used by architects and engineers. Many of these instruments are embellished with engravings and other decorations, since they were intended as sophisticated objects to enrich the princely collection rather than designed for practical use.