1688 in science
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
Births
- January 29 – Emanuel Swedenborg, Swedish scientist and theologian
- April 4 – Joseph-Nicolas Delisle, French astronomer
- August 14 – Johann Leonhard Rost, German astronomer
- September 26 – Willem 's Gravesande, Dutch polymath
- November 15 – Louis Bertrand Castel, French Jesuit mathematician and physicist
Deaths
- January 28 – Ferdinand Verbiest, Flemish Jesuit astronomer in China
- October 9 – Claude Perrault, French architect and physicist
- November 11 – Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, French horticulturalist