Napier's bones

This set of wooden numbering rods for doing arithmetical calculations probably dates from the 18th century. The rods are known as 'Napiers's Bones' after John Napier of Merchiston (1550-1617), inventor of logarithms.

The rods were used to convert multiplication and division into simpler problems of addition and subtraction. Each bone has four sides, each with a multiplication table on it.

Napiers's Bones are so named because early sets were made in ivory. Napier described their use in his 'Rabdologiae' published in 1617, although he had been working on his ideas for around 20 years before publication.

Record details

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

Online ID:	000-180-000-740-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland T.1866.57
Date:	18th century Probably 18th century
Material:	Boxwood
Dimensions:
What:
Subject:	19. MATHEMATICS (Departmental Classification)
Who:	John Napier (Inventor)
Where:	England
Event:
Description:	Boxwood set of Napier's bones, a device for performing multiplication and division invented by Napier, the discoverer of logarithms
References:
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back