Telescope

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This brass reflecting telescope was made in 1737, probably by James Short (1710-68), a scientific instrument maker based in Edinburgh.

The 9-and-a-half-inch focus telescope is engraved on the mirror retention plate 'JAMES SHORT EDINBURGH 1737 55/117'. It is now lacking its sights, focus adjusting knob and the case, which would have formed part of the stand.

James Short attended courses given by Colin Maclaurin, Professor of Mathematics at Edinburgh University. Through the patronage of Maclaurin and the Earl of Morton, the young Short was able to sell his telescopes to a growing number of customers.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-044-687-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1981.28
• Date: 1737
  
• Material: Brass. Inscription: JAMES SHORT EDINBURGH 1737 55 / 117
  Telescope, reflecting
  
• Dimensions: 347 mm L x 64 mm D
  
• What: Telescope, reflecting
  
• Subject: 22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Arthur Frank Collection of Scottish Scientific Instruments
  James Short, Edinburgh (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: 9 1/2" focus mounted Gregorian reflecting telescope in brass with speculum metal optics but lacking fitted wooden case, signed by James Short of Edinburgh, 1737
  
• References:
  • Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C., Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989, p 7 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson (1989): "Brass and Glass 
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