Dividers

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.

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Online ID:	000-100-102-706-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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