Object Details
Description
This 6" ebony instrument has three blades, apparently cut from a single rectangle of wood, and is held together by intricate brass hinges. Surveyors, cartographers, navigators, and draftsmen began using parallel rules in the 18th century to easily draw parallel lines separated by various widths. These instruments were also used for reducing or enlarging scaled drawings.
According to the donor, the rule was brought to this continent by Alexander Matheson (1788–1866), an English officer who brought troops from the West Indies to fight against the Americans in the War of 1812. After the war, he helped build the Rideau Canal and settled near Perth, Ontario. His grandson, Alexander Matheson Richey (1826–1913), a lumberman who moved to Chicago, also used the instrument.
References: Maya Hambly, Drawing Instruments: 1580–1980 (London: Sotheby's Publications, 1988), 111; Ken W. Watson, "Smiths Falls Locks 28–31," Rideau Canal World Heritage Site, http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/history/locks/h28-31-smithsfalls.html; "The Town of Perth: The Settlement of Retired Military Heroes on 'the Scotch Line,'" Toronto Daily Mail (May 14, 1887), 6–7, 10; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Ada B. Richey
date made
early 19th century
ID Number
MA.321753
catalog number
321753
accession number
243754
Object Name
parallel rule
Physical Description
brass (overall material)
ebony (overall material)
Measurements
overall: .2 cm x 15.2 cm x 3.6 cm; 3/32 in x 5 31/32 in x 1 13/32 in
place made
United Kingdom: England
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Parallel Rules
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Drafting, Engineering
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_690219