Mathematical drawing instruments

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This set of mathematical drawing instruments was made around 1750, and retailed by London optician Benjamin Martin (1704/5-1782).

The set consists of seven brass instruments, and a parallel rule, a rectangular protractor and a sector. They are all contained in rayskin-covered case with silver trimmings. The outside top of the lid is marked 'Reeve', probably the name of the owner.

Martin was a much respected designer of scientific instruments and had a shop at the sign of 'Hadley's Quadrant and Visual Glasses' in Fleet Street in London. This item would have been aimed at the popular market and would have been kept in stock. It was probably made by a subcontractor and subsequently inscribed with Martin's name. He was also a prolific writer and gave lectures on Natural Philosophy illustrated with his instruments.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-246-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1973.9
• Date: Around 1750
  c. 1750
  
• Material: Mathematical instrument
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Mathematical instrument
  
• Subject: 19. MATHEMATICS (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: B. Martin, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Mathematical drawing instruments by B. Martin, London, c. 1750
  
• References:
  • For a biography, see Millburn, John R., Benjamin Martin: Author, Instrument-Maker and 'County-Showman'. Leiden: 1976; and Benjamin Martin: Supplement. London, 1986 
  • Millburn, John R., Benjamin Martin author, instrument-maker, and country showman. Leyden: 1976, pp 224-5 
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