Sector and joynt rule

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A sector is an instrument for solving computations which use the rules of proportion. This wooden sector and joynt rule was made around 1686, and was possibly owned by Robert Hudson of Leeds.

The sector and joynt rule has a brass hinge and brass reinforcing studs. This side is inscribed with a perpetual almanac and dialling scales. On the inner limb edges are foot and inch scales, on the outer ones trigonometric scales.

The invention of the sector is attributed to Thomas Hood by the English, and to Galileo Galilei by the Italians. Both published quite independent accounts in 1598. The English instrument was considerably modified by Edmund Gunter in 1624.

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-082-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1990.88
• Date: Around 1686
  c. 1686
  
• Material: Boxwood, brass. Inscription: Robert Hudson Leeds 1686
  Sector / joynt rule
  
• Dimensions: 12.00"
  
• What: Sector / joynt rule
  
• Subject:
• Who: J. Brown (Made in his style)
  Robert Hudson (Owner?)
  
• Where: England, Leeds
  England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Sector and joynt rule in the style of J. Brown of London, possibly owned by Robert Hudson of Leeds, c. 1686
  
• References:
  • Morrison-Low, A.D., ' "Spirit of Place": Some Geographical Implications of the English Provincial Instrument Trade, 1760-1850' in Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society, No 53 (1997) pp 19,23 
• Translations:
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