Dividers

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This pair of dividers, also known as a pair of compasses, were made around 1800. They are unsigned.

The dividers have steel points. The legs are triangular in cross-section, tapering to a point.

Dividers were used in practical mathematics, particularly in skilled trades such as surveying and navigation.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-706-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1966.72
• Date: Around 1800
  c. 1800
  
• Material: Brass, with steel points
  
• Dimensions: 3.81" L overall; points 1.88" L
  
• What:
• Subject: 19. MATHEMATICS (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Brass dividers, with steel points, a three and two-leaf ball hinge with a brass hinge pin, and triangular section legs tapering to a point, unsigned, c. 1800
  
• References:
  • Hambly, Maya, Drawing Instruments 1580-1980. London: 1988, pp 126-8 
• Translations:
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