Scale

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This brass plotting scale was made in England in the 17th century. It is unsigned.

This side shows, above, a simple scale in inches divided into tenths and, below, a diagonal scale for proportional parts. These scales are used for the construction and measurement of plane and spherical figures; those on the reverse for solving various logarithmic problems.

Plotting scales were used in practical mathematics, particularly in skilled trades such as surveying and navigation, and derived from the scale first published by Edmund Gunther in 1624.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-295-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1985.69
• Date: 17th century
  
• Material: Plotting scale
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Plotting scale
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: England
  
• Event:
• Description: Surveyor's brass plotting scale, 17th century
  
• References:
  • For a description of the use of the Gunther scale, see the article 'Navigation' in the Edinburgh Encyclopedia vol XV, Edinburgh: 1830, pp 171-4 
• Translations:
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