The year 1688 in science and technology included a number of events, some of which are listed here.
Astronomy The constellation Sceptrum Brandenburgicum is named by Gottfried Kirch.
Exploration A French Jesuit scientific mission led by Jean de Fontaney arrives in China.
Mathematics Simon de la Loubère introduces the Siamese method for constructing any size of n-odd magic square to Western Europe.
Technology Earliest known mention of the balalaika.
Births January 29 – Emanuel Swedenborg, Swedish scientist and theologian (died 1772) April 4 – Joseph-Nicolas Delisle, French astronomer (died 1768) August 14 – Johann Leonhard Rost, German astronomer (died 1727) September 26 – Willem 's Gravesande, Dutch polymath (died 1742) November 15 – Louis Bertrand Castel, French Jesuit mathematician and physicist (died 1757)
Deaths January 28 – Ferdinand Verbiest, Flemish Jesuit astronomer in China (born 1623) October 9 – Claude Perrault, French architect and physicist (born 1613) November 11 – Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, French horticulturalist (born 1626)
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