000-100-104-268-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Theodolite
A theodolite is a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles. This brass example (pictured here with its fitted case) was made around 1810, probably by Matthew Berge, a scientific instrument maker based in London.
The design of this theodolite has been ascribed to Jesse Ramsden, the foremost London instrument maker of his generation, and Berge's master. It has a double 'A' frame on the azimuth (horizontal) circle which contains the compass, supporting the horizontal axis of a racked semi-circle. The semi-circle carries a telescopic sight, reversible in two 'Y' supports.
This design was illustrated in 1791, where it was attributed to Ramsden. The octagonal wooden case - although it may not be original to this particular instrument - is a rare contemporary survival. The tripod has not survived.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-100-104-268-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1979.107 |
Date: |
Around 1810 c. 1810
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Material: |
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What: |
Theodolite / case
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Subject: |
5. CARTOGRAPHY, Surveying (Departmental Classification)
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Who: |
Matthew Berge, London (Maker)
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Where: |
England, London
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Event: |
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Description: |
Five-inch theodolite, in a fitted case, by Matthew Berge of London, c. 1810
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References: |
- Adams, George, Geometrical and Graphical Essays. London: 1791 For Berge, see Clifton, Gloria, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851. London: 1995, p 28
- de Clercq, P. R. (ed.) Nineteenth-Century Scientific Instruments and Their Makers. Leiden & Amsterdam: 1985, p 102
- For the development of the theodolite, see Bennett, J.A., The Divided Circle: A history of instruments for astronomy, navigation and surveying. Oxford: 1987, pp 145-9
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