Protractor (obverse)

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This is the obverse of a semicircular brass protractor used to set up and measure angles. Dating from 1660, it was probably made by Henry Sutton, a scientific instrument maker based in London from about 1649 to 1665.

The protractor is pierced with two quarter windows and has pricking holes at the centre and at 90 degrees. It is divided into half degrees around the outside and marked for parallel lines inside. The obverse is inscribed 'H: Sutton fecit 1660'.

Protractors were used in practical mathematics, particularly in skilled trades such as surveying and navigation, and in the construction of instruments for these trades.

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-054-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1972.72
• Date: 1660
  
• Material: Brass. Inscription: H [colon] Sutton fecit 1660
  Protractor
  
• Dimensions: 147 mm x 99 mm; 66 mm radius
  
• What: Protractor
  
• Subject: 19. MATHEMATICS (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: H. Sutton, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Brass protractor made by H. Sutton of London in 1660
  
• References:
  • Scott-Scott, M., Drawing Instruments 1850-1950. Princes Risborough, 1986, pp 25-7 
• Translations:
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