Fusoris, Jean [Johanne]

Born Giraumont, (Meurthe‐et‐Moselle), France, circa 1365

Died circa 1436

Jean Fusoris is best known for his astrolabes, of which at least 13 survive, and for a treatise on the astrolabe. His design innovations became standard in the construction of these instruments.

Fusoris was born the son of a pewterer. He studied arts and medicine, attaining the bachelor's degree in 1379. After learning his father's craft, he returned for his master's degree, which he obtained in 1391. Fusoris then served as one of the master's regents in Paris until 1400. He established a school and opened an instrument workshop in Paris making astrolabes, clocks, and other instruments. Fusoris continued to study theology and accumulated various canonries.

Fusoris was elected a member of the French embassy in England in 1415, where he met Richard of Courteny, Bishop of Norwich. Norwich bought an astrolabe from Fusoris but did not pay for it. When Fusoris returned to England in an attempt