Group of Two Dividers

Early modern European draftsmen used dividers to transfer distances from measuring instruments to architectural, topographical, mechanical, and engineering drawings. They also employed dividers in reading off distances on a sector, so that a numerical calculation could be made. The first pair of dividers has metal needle points inserted into brass legs. Decorative horizontal lines are engraved into the brass. The instrument is almost 4" long.

The second pair of dividers is entirely made of brass. Two sets of three horizontal lines are engraved into the outside of the legs. On one leg, a wheel is engraved below the lines. The instrument is 3-1/4" long.

References: J. F. Heather, Mathematical Instruments: Their Construction, Adjustment, Testing, and Use, rev. ed. (London: Crosby Lockwood and Co., 1870), i:13, 42.

Reference:

Sotheby & Company, Catalogue of a Collection of Scientific Instruments, the Property of the Late Henry Russel Wray, London, 1959 (a copy of the catalogue is in the accession file).

Currently not on view