Proportional compasses

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This pair of proportional compasses were made around 1800, probably by Thomas Jones, a scientific instrument maker based at Charing Cross in London. The proportional compasses are dividers capable of several operations.

The lower side (pictured here) has ratios for 'Lines' and 'Circles' by using the distance between the long points in relation to those between the short. The mark 'R.60' dates from the compasses use in the Hydrographic Office during the mid 19th century.

Dividers were used in practical mathematics, particularly in skilled trades such as surveying and navigation. The demand for this instrument increased during the 19th century, especially in Britain, for use by engineering draughtsmen.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-016-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1911.97
• Date: Around 1800
  c. 1800
  
• Material: Inscription: R 60 [Admiralty mark]
  Specimen / drawing instrument / compasses, proportional
  
• Dimensions: 8.50" L
  
• What: Specimen / drawing instrument / compasses, proportional
  
• Subject: 19. MATHEMATICS (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Admiralty (Owner)
  Thomas Jones, 62 Charing Cross, London (Instrument maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: One of a collection of surveying, nautical, astronomical, meteorological and drawing instruments - proportional compasses, marked, made by Thomas Jones of London, c. 1800
  
• References:
  • Hambly, Maya, Drawing Instruments 1580-1980. London: 1988, pp 126-8 
• Translations:
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