Object Details
maker
Davis, Gabriel
Description
This brass pantograph consists of four rods. These rods are marked near their ends as follows: B; D; [nothing]; C. The adjacent B and D rods are both marked with scales that range from 1-2 to 1 to 12. There are screwed slides for them (one is loose in the case) which have holders for points. The C rod also has a round holder, but it does not slide. Two short brass rods (one a tracer point) fit in grooves in the lid. The pantograph moves over the paper on six ivory-colored wheels. No weight. No pencil point. A mark on one arm reads: G. Davis / Optician / LEEDS.
Compare MA.317868, MA.327891, MA.334888, and 2005.0182.8.
The inscription is that of Gabriel Davis, an optician in Leeds who was active from 1822 to 1847. While this pantograph was sold by Davis, it was probably made by Cary.
Reference:
Gloria Clifton, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851, p. 78.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of the Burndy Library
date made
1822-1847
ID Number
2005.0182.8
accession number
2005.0182
catalog number
2005.0182.8
Object Name
pantograph
Physical Description
brass (instrument material)
wood (case material)
metal (hooks material)
felt (case material)
Measurements
overall: 10.7 cm x 81.5 cm x 15 cm; 4 3/16 in x 32 1/16 in x 5 7/8 in
overall in case: 4 3/8 in x 32 1/8 in x 5 3/4 in; 11.1125 cm x 81.5975 cm x 14.605 cm
place made
United Kingdom: England, Leeds, Leeds
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Pantographs
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1294148