Numbering rods, associated with John Napier of Merchiston

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This set of ivory numbering rods for doing mathematical calculations dates from around 1650. The rods are known as 'Napiers's Bones' after John Napier of Merchiston (1550-1617), inventor of logarithms. Such rods were widely used in Europe until the mid-18th century.

The rods were used to convert multiplication and division into simpler problems of addition and subtraction. They work on the same principle as a box of tables which Napier also gave his name to.

Napier studied at St Andrews University from the age of 13 and became the 8th Laird of Merchiston five years later. As well as mathematics, he was involved in religious controversy and was well-known for his Protestant scriptural treatise of 1593.

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-619-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NL 43
• Date: Around 1650
  
• Material: Ivory / leather
  Napier's bones
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Napier's bones
  
• Subject: Jewellery: clocks, watches (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: John Napier (Inventor)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (Merchiston)
  
• Event:
• Description: Set of Napier's bones of ivory in a small leather case
  
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