Object Details
Description
The arms of this brass instrument have straight edges, but the hinge is decorated with a sunburst. One side has double scales of chords, running from 10 to 180; of architectural drawings, running from 5 to 60; and for the specific weights of four metals, marked with their symbols. The outer edge has a scale that runs from 1/4 to 64 and is labeled Calibres des Pieces. There is no maker's mark.
The other side has double scales for equal parts, running from 0 to 200; for solids, running from 5 to 60; and for the lengths of the sides of inscribed regular polygons, from 12 sides to three sides. The outer edge has a scale running from 1/4 to 64 and labeled Poids des Boulets. The outside face of the instrument has scales for English feet and French feet, each running from 1 to 6. This instrument was found in Smithsonian storage in 1956.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th century
ID Number
MA.314799
catalog number
314799
accession number
210147
Object Name
sector
Physical Description
brass (overall material)
Measurements
overall: .3 cm x 17.5 cm x 3.2 cm; 1/8 in x 6 7/8 in x 1 1/4 in
place made
France: Île-de-France, Paris
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Sectors
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Sectors
Rule, Calculating
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1214785