Measuring & Mapping

Where, how far, and how much? People have invented an astonishing array of devices to answer seemingly simple questions like these. Measuring and mapping objects in the Museum's collections include the instruments of the famous—Thomas Jefferson's thermometer and a pocket compass used by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their expedition across the American West. A timing device was part of the pioneering motion studies of Eadweard Muybridge in the late 1800s. Time measurement is represented in clocks from simple sundials to precise chronometers for mapping, surveying, and finding longitude. Everyday objects tell part of the story, too, from tape measures and electrical meters to more than 300 scales to measure food and drink. Maps of many kinds fill out the collections, from railroad surveys to star charts.

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Phrynosoma regale [Girard] and Doliosaurus m’callii [Girard]”—now "Phrynosoma solare" (Regal horned lizard) and "Phrynosoma mcallii" (Flat–tail horned lizard); from one or more original illustrations by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 28 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Phrynosoma regale [Girard] and Doliosaurus m’callii [Girard]”—now "Phrynosoma solare" (Regal horned lizard) and "Phrynosoma mcallii" (Flat–tail horned lizard); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 28 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.062
catalog number
2009.0115.062
accession number
2009.0115
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 27 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]”, now "Sauromalus ater" or Northern chuckwalla, from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 27 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.068
catalog number
2009.0115.068
accession number
2009.0115
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Crotaphylus wislizenii [B & G]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Crotaphylus wislizenii [B & G]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 31 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Crotaphylus wislizenii [sic] [B & G],” now "Gambelia wislizenii" or Longnose leopard lizard, from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 31 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
ID Number
2009.0115.060
catalog number
2009.0115.060
accession number
2009.0115
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Dryophis Vittatus, Grd" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Dryophis Vittatus, Grd" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXVI in Volume 2, following page 210 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.30
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.30
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of “Mastodon andium,” from an original illustration by O. J. Wallis (fl. 1850s).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of “Mastodon andium,” from an original illustration by O. J. Wallis (fl. 1850s). The image was published as Plate XIII in Volume 2, following page 278 of Appendix H (Fossil Mammals) by Jeffries Wyman (1814-1874) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.24
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.24
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Cnemidophorus Presignis, B&G" now Ameiva ameiva (Giant ameiva or Amazon racerunner), from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Cnemidophorus Presignis, B&G" now Ameiva ameiva (Giant ameiva or Amazon racerunner), from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXVIII in Volume 2, following page 226 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C. The print is signed "Correct CGirard."
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.25
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.25
This tinted lithograph of “Mission and Plain of San Fernando” was originally drawn by an expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate VI following page 74 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description (Brief)
This tinted lithograph of “Mission and Plain of San Fernando” was originally drawn by an expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate VI following page 74 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake (1826-1910), Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of Volume V, Part II of the "Report of Lieutenant R. S. Williamson (1825-1882), Corps of Topographical Engineers, Upon the Routes in California to Connect with the Routes Near the Thirty-fifth and Thirty-second Parallels" by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson ... in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) in Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
author
Williamson, Robert Stockton
Blake, William Phipps
original artist
Koppel, Charles
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
ID Number
GA.10729.38
accession number
62261
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Elaps nigrocinctus [Grd]," now "Micrurus nigrocinctus nigrocinctus" or Central American coral snake, from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Elaps nigrocinctus [Grd]," now "Micrurus nigrocinctus nigrocinctus" or Central American coral snake, from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXV in Volume 2, following page 210 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
book printer, publisher
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.08
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.08
This tinted lithograph of “Mirage on the Colorado River” was prepared after an original sketch by ah expedition geologist and artist William P. Blake (1826-1910). It was printed as Plate XII in Volume V, Part II following page 250 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description
This tinted lithograph of “Mirage on the Colorado River” was prepared after an original sketch by ah expedition geologist and artist William P. Blake (1826-1910). It was printed as Plate XII in Volume V, Part II following page 250 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake, Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of Volume V, Part II of the “Routes in California, to Connect with the Routes near the Thirty–Fifth and Thirty–Second Parallels, Explored by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
expedition leader
Williamson, Robert Stockton
author
Blake, William Phipps
original artist
Blake, William Phipps
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
ID Number
GA.10729.32
accession number
62261
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctotretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctotretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XL in Volume 2, following page 216 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.29
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.29
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-publication engraving proof of “Trichomycterus maculatus [Cuv.
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-publication engraving proof of “Trichomycterus maculatus [Cuv. -Val.], Cheiroden pisciculus [Grd], Cystignathus taeniatus [Grd], and Phyllobates auratus [Grd]” now "Trichomycterus maculatus," "Cheiroden pisciculus," "Batrachyla taeniata," (Banded tree frog), and "Dendrobates auratus" (Poison dart frog, Green poison frog, Green and black poison dart frog) from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXIV in Volume 2, following page 208 of Appendix F (Zoology-Fishes) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C. The print is also signed in pen "Correct, C.Girard."
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.16
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.16
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of “Nematogenys inermis [Grd]” from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of “Nematogenys inermis [Grd]” from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXII in Volume 2, following page 248 of Appendix F (Zoology-Fishes) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.17
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.17
This tinted lithograph of “Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass” was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate V in Volume V, Part II following page 50 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description (Brief)
This tinted lithograph of “Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass” was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate V in Volume V, Part II following page 50 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake, Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of the “Routes in California, to Connect with the Routes near the Thirty–Fifth and Thirty–Second Parallels, Explored by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
author
Williamson, Robert Stockton
original artist
Koppel, Charles
Koppel, Charles
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
original artist
Koppel, Charles
ID Number
GA.10729.33
accession number
62261
Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Phalacrocorax brasilianus [GM]" or Neotropic cormorant, from an original illustration by William Dreser (ca 1820, fl. 1849-1860).
Description (Brief)
Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Phalacrocorax brasilianus [GM]" or Neotropic cormorant, from an original illustration by William Dreser (ca 1820, fl. 1849-1860). The image was published as Plate XXVIII in Volume 2, following page 204 of Appendix F (Zoology-Birds) by John Cassin (1813-1869) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
graphic artist
Sinclair, Thomas
original artist
Dreser, William
publisher
United States Navy
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
author
Cassin, John
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.02
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.02
After the 1866 legalization of metric units of measure in the United States, the Office of Weights and Measures prepared standard metric weights and measures for distribution to the states. This brass cylinder holds one liter. A mark on the front reads: U.S.
Description
After the 1866 legalization of metric units of measure in the United States, the Office of Weights and Measures prepared standard metric weights and measures for distribution to the states. This brass cylinder holds one liter. A mark on the front reads: U.S. (/) LITRE (/) No.46.
The U.S. National Bureau of Standards, the successor of the Office of Weights and Measures, transferred this standard to the Smithsonian.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
United States Office of Weights and Measures
ID Number
CH.309585
catalog number
309585
accession number
103830
This consists of a white plastic planisphere with the northern sky on one side and the southern on the other, seven clear plastic templates centered at 10° intervals of latitude, and a cardboard container.
Description
This consists of a white plastic planisphere with the northern sky on one side and the southern on the other, seven clear plastic templates centered at 10° intervals of latitude, and a cardboard container. The United States Hydrographic Office transferred it to the Smithsonian in 1957.
An inscription reads "H.O. NO. 2102-B / HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE / RUDE / STAR FINDER AND IDENTIFIER / (WITH HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE MODIFICATIONS) PRICE $1.00 / Published at the Hydrographic Office, Washington, D.C. Oct. 1940 under the authority of THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY"
Ref: Gilbert T. Rude, "Star Finder and Identifier," U.S. Patent #1,401,446 (Dec. 27, 1921).
Henry M. Jensen, et. al., "Navigational Instrument," U.S. patent #1,919,222 (July 25, 1933).
“Captain Rude, Naval Inventor,” Washington Post (Dec. 5, 1962), p. B13.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940
maker
Rude, Gilbert T.
ID Number
PH.315071.2
accession number
214422
catalog number
315071.2
The Fauth company advertised an instrument of this sort in 1883, describing it as "Pocket Heliotrope, Steinheils, a beautiful instrument that requires no adjustment." Karl August Steinheil was a German physicist who introduced the form in 1844.This example is marked “FAUTH & CO.
Description
The Fauth company advertised an instrument of this sort in 1883, describing it as "Pocket Heliotrope, Steinheils, a beautiful instrument that requires no adjustment." Karl August Steinheil was a German physicist who introduced the form in 1844.
This example is marked “FAUTH & CO. WASHN D.C. 2493" and "238" and "C.&G.S." and "NO. 418.” It belonged to the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. New, with case, it cost $20. It was made after 1887 when G. N. Saegmuller began putting serial numbers on Fauth instruments, and before Saegmuller's move to Rochester in 1905.
Ref: Fauth & Co., Catalogue of Astronomical and Surveying Instruments (Washington, D.C., 1883), p. 53.
K.A. Steinheil, "Das Heliotrop," in H. C. Schumacher, ed., Jahrbuch für 1844, pp. 12 17.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Fauth & Co.
ID Number
PH.309655
accession number
106954
catalog number
309655
Like the original Rude star finder, this one consists of cardboard planispheres of the northern and southern skies, each of which has a plastic meridian arm for determining the declination of the stars.
Description
Like the original Rude star finder, this one consists of cardboard planispheres of the northern and southern skies, each of which has a plastic meridian arm for determining the declination of the stars. Here, however, the rims of the planispheres are graduated to 3 minutes of time, and there are seven clear plastic altitude-azimuth templates for use at different latitudes up to 70° north and south. In addition, the planispheres rotate against a circle graduated to 365 parts, thus facilitating the comparison of civial and sidereal time. This feature was designed by Navy Captain Henry M. Jensen; John Edward Gingrich, a graduate of the Naval Academy who compiled Aerial and Marine Navigation Tables (New York, 1931) and who would later become a Rear Admiral; and Guillermo Medina, an engineer with the United States Hydrographic Office. The Hydrographic Office transferred this example to the Smithsonian in 1957.
The instrument bears the inscription "H.O. 2102 A / RUDE STAR FINDER AND IDENTIFIER / WITH HYDROGRAPHIC MODIFICATIONS / AND SIDEREAL TIME CONVERTER / Letters Patent / No. 1401446 December 27, 1921 / No. 1919222 July 25, 1933 / Washington, D.C.: Published December 1932, at the Hydrographic Office, under the authority of the SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, SECOND EDITION, JANUARY 1934 / Price $7.50."
Ref: Gilbert T. Rude, "Star Finder and Identifier," U.S. patent #1,401,446.
Henry M. Jensen, J. E. Gingrich, and G. Medina, "Navigational Instrument," U.S. patent #1,919,222.
“Captain Rude, Naval Inventor,” Washington Post (Dec. 5, 1962), p. B13.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934
ID Number
PH.315071.1
catalog number
315071.1
accession number
214422
This theodolite was made between 1878 when the U. S. Coast Survey became the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and 1887 when Saegmuller began putting serial numbers on Fauth instruments.
Description
This theodolite was made between 1878 when the U. S. Coast Survey became the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and 1887 when Saegmuller began putting serial numbers on Fauth instruments. It was described variously as a Reconnaissance and Mining Transit or a Complete Transit Theodolite. Its horizontal and vertical circles, each of 4 inches diameter, are divided on silver, and read by opposite verniers to single minutes. New, it sold for $200. The marks read "Fauth & Co. Washn D.C." and "U.S.C.&G.S. No. 122."
Ref: Fauth & Co., Catalogue of Astronomical and Surveying Instruments (Washington, D.C., about 1877), p. 33.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Fauth & Co.
ID Number
PH.309668
accession number
106954
catalog number
309668
Joseph Saxton, an accomplished scientist, inventor, and mechanician, joined the staff of the U.S. Coast Survey in 1844 at the request of the new Superintendent, Alexander Dallas Bache, and began developing instruments for measuring terrestrial phenomena.
Description
Joseph Saxton, an accomplished scientist, inventor, and mechanician, joined the staff of the U.S. Coast Survey in 1844 at the request of the new Superintendent, Alexander Dallas Bache, and began developing instruments for measuring terrestrial phenomena. Among the first was a metallic thermometer for use in deep water. Bache described this in 1848, saying that it proved “decidedly the most convenient” of the several forms tried. The thermometer coil was “like that of Breguet, only of much stouter material, and of two metals, silver and platinum, soldered together.” And the “plan of registering resembles that adopted by Jurgensen of Copenhagen, and by Montandon of Washington, in their metallic thermometers.”
Several Saxton thermometers were made in the Coast Survey’s instrument shop, and still in use at the start of World War I. This example came to the Smithsonian in 1929. Here the thermometer is held in a brass cylinder that is encased in a hexagonal frame. The cap of the cylinder is marked “SAXTON’S / METALLIC THERMOMETER / 17.” The scale around the circumference of the thermometer extends from -40 to +174 degrees Fahrenheit; one of the two pointers registers the lowest temperature to which the thermometer was exposed.
Ref: [A. D. Bache], Report of the superintendent of the coast survey, showing the progress of the work during the year ending November, 1848, p. 39.
Bache, “Lecture on the Gulf Stream, prepared at the request of the American Association for the Advancement of Science,” Report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey during the Year 1860, pp. 165-176, on 166.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1900
Inventor
Saxton, Joseph
ID Number
PH.309672
catalog number
309672
accession number
106954
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of fish species, "Pomotis heros [B&G] and Pomotis fallax [B&G]," after an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of fish species, "Pomotis heros [B&G] and Pomotis fallax [B&G]," after an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The engraving was printed as Plate 2 in “Ichthyology of the Boundary” by Charles Girard (1822-1895), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Pomotis heros [B&G]and Pomotis fallax [B&G];” now "Lepomis macrochirus" (Bluegill) and "Lepomis megalotis" (Longear sunfish); from an original sketch likely drawn by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 2 in the “Fishes” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by Charles Girard (1822–1895). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
author
Girard, Charles
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.071
catalog number
2009.0115.071
accession number
2009.0115
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. is believed to have engraved this print of eel species Anguilla tyrannus (now Anguilla rostrata) after an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807-1881) also of Washington, D.C.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. is believed to have engraved this print of eel species Anguilla tyrannus (now Anguilla rostrata) after an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807-1881) also of Washington, D.C. The illustration was printed as Plate 40 in “Ichthology of the Boundary” by Charles Girard (1822–1895), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Anguilla tyrannus [Grd]”, now "Anguilla rostrata" or American eel, from an original sketch likely drawn by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 40 in the “Fishes” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by Charles Girard (1822–1895). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
Girard, Charles
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
ID Number
2009.0115.106
catalog number
2009.0115.106
accession number
2009.0115
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of six fish species after original sketches by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of six fish species after original sketches by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The engraving was printed as Plate 30 in "Ichthyology of the Boundary” by Charles Girard (1822-1895), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C. The fish species illustrated include: Moniana rutila [Grd], Moniana formosa [Grd], Moniana gibbosa [Grd], Moniana aurata [Grd], Moniana frigida [Grd], and Moniana couchi [Grd].
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Moniana rutila [Grd], Moniana formosa [Grd], Moniana gibbosa [Grd], Moniana aurata [Grd], Moniana frigida [Grd], Moniana couchi [Grd];” now "Cyprinella rutila" (Mexican shiner), "Cyprinella formosa" (Beautiful shiner), "Cyprinella leutrensis" (Red shiner), "Cyprinella proserpina" (Proserpine shiner), "Cyprinella lutrensis" (Red shiner), and "Cyprinella lutrensis" (Red shiner), from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 30 in the “Fishes” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by Charles Girard (1822–1895). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
author
Girard, Charles
publisher
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.096
catalog number
2009.0115.096
accession number
2009.0115
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print ofdifferent reptile species after original illustrations by John H. Richard (c.1807-1881) of Philadelphia. The engraving was published as Plate 35 in “Reptiles of the Boundary” by S. F.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of
different reptile species after original illustrations by John H. Richard (c.1807-1881) of Philadelphia. The engraving was published as Plate 35 in “Reptiles of the Boundary” by S. F. Baird (1823–1887), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C. The species illustrated describe: “Scaphiopus couchii [Baird], Ambytoma proserpina [B & G], and Ambystoma texana [Baird]”—; now Scaphiopus couchii (common name Couch’s spadefoot or Spadefoot toad), "Ambystoma mavortium" (common name Western tiger salamander) and "Ambystoma texanum" (common name Texas salamander).
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Scaphiopus couchii [Baird], Ambytoma proserpina [B & G], and Ambystoma texana [Baird]”—; now Scaphiopus couchii (Couch’s spadefoot or Spadefoot toad), "Ambystoma mavortium" (Western tiger salamander) and "Ambystoma texanum" (Texas salamander); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c. 1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 35 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.059
catalog number
2009.0115.059
accession number
2009.0115

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