Sector

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A sector is an instrument for solving computations which use the rules of proportion. This brass example was made in 1691, probably by Dominicus Lusuerg, a scientific instrument maker based in Rome.

This side is signed 'Dominicus Lusuerg Mutinensis Faciebat Roma prope Collegium Romanum Ad 1691'. The limbs have leafy scroll finials, joined by an engraved hinge. The scales include the line of equal parts, the line of planes, the line of regular solids, the line of chords and metals.

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. However, the instrument had its origins in the earlier proportional compass.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-297-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1985.75
• Date: 1691
  
• Material:
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• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Dominicus Lusuerg (Possibly the maker)
  
• Where: Rowe
  
• Event:
• Description: Sector by Dominicus Lusuerg of Rowe, 1691
  
• References:
  • For instruments by Lusuerg, see Hambly, Maya. Drawing Instruments 1580-1980. London: 1988, p 25, and Wynter, Harriet & Turner, Anthony. Scientific Instruments. London: 1975 p 68 
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