Thursday 21 July 2016

What (renaissance) accountants do...

One of the highlights today during my visit to the Germanisches National Museum in Nueremberg was this 16th century accountants table. Not only did it contain a double ledger on the table, but also a nine-men-morris game. Perhaps it was used to pass the time more pleasantly than with boring numbers. But it does give you some thoughts on the trustworthiness of the caretakers of your finances over the ages...

The underside of the accountants table, dated around 1550-1600.
 
Left: the carved morris game on the table top. Right: one of the two ledgers on the table top.


The table top, two ledgers are visible. The morris game is at the other end (in the reflecting light).