1318-1389

An Italian astronomer, physician, and clockmaker, Dondi had studied medicine and went on to become physician to the Emperor Charles IV. He was professor of astronomy at the University of Padua, also teaching astrology, philosophy and logic. Dondi wrote about diet during times of plague, hot springs, and salt extraction. He is best remembered for designing and building an astronomical clock over sixteen years, the written description of it being the second oldest surviving account of a mechanical clock.