Surveyors' level

Add to album

This brass surveyors' level was made around 1780, probably by Edward Nairne, a scientific instrument maker based in London. It was used to ascertain the level in any direction, and to determine differences in height, by sighting on a staff marked with a vertical scale.

The level has a bubble tube slung under the push-fit telescope. When the air bubble is centred in the tube the instrument is level. Observations could then be taken through the telescope above. The instrument is signed 'Nairne No. 20, Cornhill LONDON'.

This is a very basic form of the level, which was developed by instrument makers during the second half of the 18th century. This example was made by Edward Nairne (1726-1806), an eminent London maker, who is particularly remembered for his pioneering electrical work.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-104-236-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1968.119
• Date: Around 1780
  c. 1780
  
• Material: Brass / wooden box. Inscription: Nairne No. 20, Cornhill LONDON
  Surveyors' level / box
  
• Dimensions: 3.25" H x 19.38" L x 6.25" W; 5.13" H
  
• What: Surveyors' level / box
  
• Subject: 5. CARTOGRAPHY, Surveying (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Nairne, Cornhill, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Brass surveyor's level, signed by Nairne of London, c. 1780
  
• References:
  • For Edward Nairne, see Clifton, Gloria, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851. London: 1995, p 196 
  • For the development of the level, see Bennett, J.A. The Divided Circle: A history of instruments for astronomy, navigation and surveying. Oxford: 1987, pp 151-2 
• Translations:
• Related Records: