Clinometer

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A clinometer is a surveying instrument used for measuring the angle of inclination. This example used for levelling drains was made around 1870, probably by Gardener & Co. of Glasgow. It was sold by Glasgow-based scientific instrument seller, James Brown.

The clinometer has a push-fit focusing telescope, with a level tube below. The scale reads +12 to -12 degrees from the horizontal and is divided into 0.5 degrees. The instrument is signed 'JAMES BROWN GLASGOW'.

The enormous growth of Glasgow in the late 19th century led to the building of sewage systems to counter diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-705-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1966.61
• Date: Around 1870
  c. 1870
  
• Material: Wood box. Inscription: JAMES BROWN GLASGOW
  Clinometer / box / plumb bob
  
• Dimensions: 13.75" min L telescope / box 14.50" L x 2.75" H x 7.50" B
  
• What: Clinometer / box / plumb bob
  
• Subject: 5. CARTOGRAPHY, Surveying (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Gardener and Co., Glasgow (Maker)
  James Brown, Glasgow (Retailer)
  
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
  
• Event:
• Description: Clinometer in a fitted wooden box with a plumb bob, probably by Gardener and Co. and sold by James Brown, Glasgow, c. 1870
  
• References:
  • For James Brown's business biography, see Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. E 
  • For sanitary problems and their solutions, see Smout, T.C. A Century of the Scottish People 1830-1950. London: 1987. pp 32-57 
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