made in Paris

Theodolite (underside)

A theodolite is a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles. This brass example was made in Paris around 1720, by Nicholas Bion (c.1652-1733), scientific instrument maker to the French king.

This photograph shows the underside of the instrument, which is engraved 'N. Bion/ A Paris'. It clearly shows the ball-and-socket joint with butterfly screw which allows the instrument to be mounted vertically on a staff for taking altitude angles.

While Bion's colleagues tended to be specialists in the making of globes, sundials, mathematical instruments or mechanical devices, Bion could produce all of these items, at a very high standard. He was also author of important texts on instruments.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-102-832-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland T.1987.51
Date:	Around 1720 c. 1720
Material:	Brass / birch case. Inscription: N. Bion / AParis
Dimensions:	240 mm x 240 mm x 200 mm / 245 mm x 245 mm x 145 mm
What:	Theodolite, plain / case
Subject:
Who:	Nicholas Bion, France (Maker)
Where:	France, Paris
Event:
Description:	Plain theodolite of brass, in a birch case, signed by Nicholas Bion, Paris, c. 1720
References:	For Bion's life and work, see Daumas, M., Scientific Instruments of the 17th and 18th Centuries and their Makers. London: 1972, pp 79-81
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