Object Details
Description
This wooden rectangular rule consists of a fluted handle with a carved head at the end and a tapered, ruled part. The rule is cracked between two nails below the handle on the side with the head's face. On the side with the back of the head, the rule is marked with straight lines that are 27.5, 38.5, 42.0, 49.7, 53.2, 56.9, 60.8, 64.5, and 68.1 cm from the base of the handle (or, 44.5, 33.5, 30.0, 22.3, 18.8, 15.1, 11.2, 7.5, and 3.9 cm from the tip of the rule). The mark at 49.7 cm is an asterisk rather than a plain line.
The Dutch el is a traditional "arm's length" measure commonly used before The Netherlands adopted the metric system in 1820. The el was 68–70 cm on average, but this example is slightly longer at 72 cm, excluding the handle. Compare to MA.318246, MA.318248, and MA.325404.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1820
ID Number
MA.318247
accession number
235396
catalog number
318247
Object Name
scale rule
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1.7 cm x 84 cm x 2 cm; 21/32 in x 33 1/16 in x 25/32 in
place made
The Netherlands
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Scale Rules
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Rule, Measuring
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_904632