Dividers

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This pair of dividers, also known as a pair of compasses, were made in Europe in the 18th century. They are unsigned.

The dividers have an iron hinge pin and iron washers.

Dividers were used in chart-work for pricking out a course, or measuring out distances on a chart against the calibrations of linear measurement on the Mercator latitude scales found on sectors.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-710-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1967.72
• Date: 18th century
  
• Material: Iron hinge pin and washers
  
• Dimensions: 12.25" L; 11.75" L from points to centre of hinge pin
  
• What:
• Subject: 19. MATHEMATICS (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Europe
  
• Event:
• Description: Pair of twelve inch dividers, unsigned, made in Europe, 18th century
  
• References:
  • For dividers, see Turner, Anthony, Early Scientific Instruments 1400-1800. London: 1987, pp 154-5 
• Translations:
• Related Records: