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.

Wye level with a "Phelps & Gurley Troy, N.Y." inscription. Jonas Phelps and William Gurley worked together in the period 1845-1851.Currently not on view
Description
Wye level with a "Phelps & Gurley Troy, N.Y." inscription. Jonas Phelps and William Gurley worked together in the period 1845-1851.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1845-1851
maker
Phelps & Gurley
ID Number
1987.0153.01
catalog number
1987.0153.01
accession number
1987.0153
This is an example of instrument makers feeling their way towards a good design, but not quite getting it right. It is marked "Phelps & Gurley" and "Troy, N.Y." and dates from the period 1845-1851 when Jonas Phelps and William Gurley were in business together.
Description
This is an example of instrument makers feeling their way towards a good design, but not quite getting it right. It is marked "Phelps & Gurley" and "Troy, N.Y." and dates from the period 1845-1851 when Jonas Phelps and William Gurley were in business together. Several elements of its design originated with Oscar Hanks, the mathematical instrument maker with whom Phelps and Gurley both apprenticed. W. & L. E. Gurley made a similar instrument that they called a Vernier Transit Compass.
The variation arc at the south side of the compass extends 20 degrees either way; the vernier reads to 2 minutes. There are level vials at North and West. The small vertical circle is read by vernier to 10 minutes.
William H. Skerritt, Catalog of the Charles E. Smart Collection of Antique Surveying Instruments (Troy, N.Y., 1996), p. 29.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Phelps & Gurley
ID Number
PH.315412
accession number
170660
catalog number
315412
This is a short-stem instrument designed for industrial use.
Description
This is a short-stem instrument designed for industrial use. The brass plate at the top of the V-shaped iron case is marked “HOHMANN & MAURER / 90 / FULTON ST / NEW YORK / 1121.” The brass housing around the mercury-in-glass thermometer is graduated, on one side, from 140 to 274 degrees Fahrenheit. The other side is marked “HOHMANN & MAURER / 90 / FULTON ST. NEW YORK” and has a scale from zero to 25, presumably for pressure in pounds per square inch. This was probably made in the mid-1880s, shortly after the firm began in business in New York City. It came to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
maker
Hohmann & Maurer
ID Number
PH.308161
catalog number
308161
accession number
70532
This instrument consists of two mercury-in-glass thermometers mounted on an aluminum frame that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN N.Y." and "No. 147 SIGNAL CORPS. U.S. ARMY" and equipped with a wooden handle.
Description
This instrument consists of two mercury-in-glass thermometers mounted on an aluminum frame that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN N.Y." and "No. 147 SIGNAL CORPS. U.S. ARMY" and equipped with a wooden handle. Each thermometer has a milk white back and a clear front that is graduated every degree Fahrenheit. On one the scale runs from -40 to +137; on the other, it runs from -38 to +122. This was made between 1890 (when Green moved his business to Brooklyn) and 1923 (when the instrument came to the Smithsonian).
Ref: Henry J. Green, (Brooklyn, about 1890), p.31.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890-1923
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.308200.2
accession number
70852
catalog number
308200.2
This is a short-stem instrument designed for industrial use. The brass V-shaped case is marked “Tycos” at top, and “Taylor / Instrument / Co.” at bottom.
Description
This is a short-stem instrument designed for industrial use. The brass V-shaped case is marked “Tycos” at top, and “Taylor / Instrument / Co.” at bottom. The black housing around the mercury-in-glass thermometer with a milk glass tube has a scale from 32 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, and is marked “Tycos / ROCHESTER / N.Y. U.S.A.”
Hohmann & Maurer had been making instruments of this sort since the mid-1880s, and continued doing so after being bought out by Taylor Bros. in 1896. This example was made after 1908 when the Taylor Instrument Co. introduced the Tycos trade mark and dropped the Hohmann & Maurer signature and trade mark. It came to the Smithsonian in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1923
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
PH.308162
catalog number
308162
accession number
70532
The "W. & L. E. Gurley Troy, N. Y." inscription--with its v–shaped trenches and lines of varying weight--was clearly engraved by hand.
Description
The "W. & L. E. Gurley Troy, N. Y." inscription--with its v–shaped trenches and lines of varying weight--was clearly engraved by hand. That means that this surveyor's compass was made between 1852, when the Gurleys began in business, and before the middle of 1876, when their new engraving machine was up and running. There is a level vial on each arm, and an outkeeper on the south arm. The sides of the vertical sights have a series of divisions for reading angles of elevation or depression . The compass belonged to Bowdoin College. New, it cost $35.
Ref: W. & L. E. Gurley, A Manual of the Principal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N. Y., 1871), pp. 14–22.
W. Skerritt, "W. & L. E. Gurley's Engraving Machine," Rittenhouse 11 (1997): 97–100.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
W. & L. E. Gurley
ID Number
PH.329728
catalog number
329728
accession number
278336
This solar compass belonged to the U. S. Geological Survey, a federal agency that was established in 1879. It was made around 1880, and transferred to the Smithsonian in 1920.
Description
This solar compass belonged to the U. S. Geological Survey, a federal agency that was established in 1879. It was made around 1880, and transferred to the Smithsonian in 1920. The horizontal circle is silvered, graduated to 30 minutes, and read by opposite verniers to single minutes. The inscription reads "W. & L. E. Gurley, Troy, N.Y." The auxiliary telescope, which attaches to either sight vane, is marked "PAT. JULY 9, 1878," and is described by the patent (#205,712) that was granted to William and Lewis E. Gurley in 1878.
Ref: W. & L. E. Gurley, Manual of the Principal Instruments used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N. Y., 1878), p. 70.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
maker
W. & L. E. Gurley
ID Number
PH.307086
catalog number
307086
accession number
65070
William de Wiveleslie Abney (1843–1920), an English scientist who made many important contributions to spectroscopy and photography, devised this level in the 1870s while working for the School of Military Engineering at Chatham.This Abney level is equipped with clinometer and co
Description
William de Wiveleslie Abney (1843–1920), an English scientist who made many important contributions to spectroscopy and photography, devised this level in the 1870s while working for the School of Military Engineering at Chatham.
This Abney level is equipped with clinometer and compass. Keuffel & Esser termed it a "Universal Instrument" that gives bearing, grade, and distance with sufficient accuracy for military reconnaissance and preliminary surveying. The clinometer scale is graduated to degrees, and read by vernier to 10 minutes. The inscription reads "KEUFFEL & ESSER CO N. Y." New, it cost $34.
Ref: Keuffel & Esser, Catalogue (New York, 1921), p. 434.
C. Jones, "Sir William de Wiveleslie Abney, K.C.B., D.C.L., D.Sc., F.R.S., Hon. F.R.P.S., etc.," The Photographic Journal 61 (1921): 296–311.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
PH.333654
catalog number
333654
accession number
300659
Aluminum compass with brass sights. The raised rim and beveled outer ring are graduated every degree, numbered every 10 degrees in quadrants from north and south, and adjustable for variation.
Description
Aluminum compass with brass sights. The raised rim and beveled outer ring are graduated every degree, numbered every 10 degrees in quadrants from north and south, and adjustable for variation. The western half of the face is graduated to degrees, and equipped with a pendulum clinometer pivoted at the center. There is a circular level vial at NE. The four beveled edges of the plate are graduated, one to inches and tenths, one to inches and eighths, and two as protractors. The back of the plate has a diagram showing the arrangement of township numbering. The inscriptions read "KEUFFEL & ESSER CO NEW YORK" and "U.S. INDIAN FOREST SERVICE" and "32712." Keuffel & Esser noted that they had made many instruments of this sort for the United States Forest Service. The serial number indicates a date of around 1916.
Ref: Keuffel & Esser, Catalogue (New York, 1927), p. 424.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
PH.335529
catalog number
335529
accession number
321714
This telescope, with an achromatic objective, erecting eye piece, and brass tube covered with leather, was probably made in England. The "E. & G. W. Blunt, New York, Day & Night" inscription indicates that it was made between 1824 and 1868. The "U. S.
Description
This telescope, with an achromatic objective, erecting eye piece, and brass tube covered with leather, was probably made in England. The "E. & G. W. Blunt, New York, Day & Night" inscription indicates that it was made between 1824 and 1868. The "U. S. Navy" inscription suggests that it might have been used during the Civil War.
Edmund March Blunt (1770-1862) opened a nautical shop in New York in 1802. His sons, Edmund (1799-1866) and George William (1802-1878) opened their own shop in 1824, trading as E. & G. W. Blunt and offering nautical books, charts, and instruments. The firm became Blunt & Nichols in 1866, and Blunt & Co., in 1868.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
PH.322755
catalog number
322755
accession number
251009
Azimuth compass with a "John Bliss & Co. New York" inscription. This might have been made any time between the formation of John Bliss & Company in 1857 and the demise of the firm in 1967.Currently not on view
Description
Azimuth compass with a "John Bliss & Co. New York" inscription. This might have been made any time between the formation of John Bliss & Company in 1857 and the demise of the firm in 1967.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
John Bliss & Co.
ID Number
PH.317360
catalog number
317360
accession number
230277
Here, a wooden box with a split lid opens to reveal two mercury-in-glass thermometers, each on its own metal plate. The plate holding the wet bulb thermometer is marked "H.J. GREEN B'KLYN, N.Y." and "No. 4137 U.S.
Description
Here, a wooden box with a split lid opens to reveal two mercury-in-glass thermometers, each on its own metal plate. The plate holding the wet bulb thermometer is marked "H.J. GREEN B'KLYN, N.Y." and "No. 4137 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU." The plate holding the dry bulb thermometer (the bulb is broken) is marked " H.J. GREEN B'KLYN, N.Y." and "No. 4135 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU." On the base of the box is a paper card that reads "DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WEATHER BUREAU Correction Ca. . .ercurial Thermometer."
Location
Currently not on view
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317477
accession number
230396
catalog number
317477
Spirit-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a heavy flat plate marked "HENRY J. GREEN NEW YORK" and "1868." A white porcelain strip on the plate is graduated every 5 degrees Fahrenheit from -75 to +90. The stem is marked "No. 1868 Signal Service U.S.
Description
Spirit-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a heavy flat plate marked "HENRY J. GREEN NEW YORK" and "1868." A white porcelain strip on the plate is graduated every 5 degrees Fahrenheit from -75 to +90. The stem is marked "No. 1868 Signal Service U.S. Army" and graduated (but not numbered) every degree Fahrenheit from -82 to +98. It was made between 1885 and 1890 when Henry J. Green was in business on his own in New York.
John Rutherford, a Scottish country doctor, devised this form in 1790. Green stated in 1900 that it was "the only one in general use." It has a black index inside the tube. "On a decrease of temperature the alcohol recedes, taking with it the glass index; on an increase of temperature the alcohol alone ascends the tube, leaving the end of the index farthest from the bulb indicating the minimum temperature."
Ref.: Henry J. Green, Meteorological and Scientific Instruments (Brooklyn, 1900), p. 23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885-1890
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317463
accession number
230396
catalog number
317463
Mercury-in-glass thermometer designed so that an air bubble separates a small bit of mercury from the main part of the column. When the temperature falls, the detached mercury remains in place indicating the maximum temperature attained, until reset by the observer.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer designed so that an air bubble separates a small bit of mercury from the main part of the column. When the temperature falls, the detached mercury remains in place indicating the maximum temperature attained, until reset by the observer. John Phillips, an English geologist, introduced the form at the 1832 meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. In 1856 he showed an improved form made by Louis P. Casella of London.
Appleton's Encyclopaedia noted in 1860 that James Green of New York "appears to have removed the objections to the previous forms of the maximum thermometers, and produced a highly simple and perfect instrument." Henry J. Green, who was James Green's nephew and successor, also made instruments of this sort. This example has a grooved aluminum plate that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN. N.Y." and "No. 12701 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and "MAXIMUM" and is graduated every 5 degrees Centigrade [?] from -25 to +55 degrees. The bulb is spherical. The stem is marked "U.S. 12701" and graduated every degree from -29 to +57.
Ref.: Henry J. Green, Meteorological and Scientific Instruments (Brooklyn, 1900), p. 22.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1890
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317474
accession number
230396
catalog number
317474
Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a cylindrical bulb. The back of the stem is milk glass. The clear front is marked "J. & H. J. Green. N.Y. No. 734" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -40 to +125.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer with a cylindrical bulb. The back of the stem is milk glass. The clear front is marked "J. & H. J. Green. N.Y. No. 734" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -40 to +125. James Green worked in partnership with his nephew Henry between 1879 and 1885.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879-1885
maker
J. & H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317443
accession number
230396
catalog number
317443
In 1886 William Gurley obtained a patent (#353,406) for a Locke level with the vial inside the telescope tube.
Description
In 1886 William Gurley obtained a patent (#353,406) for a Locke level with the vial inside the telescope tube. He described it as "a short, compact, cheap, durable, efficient, easily adjustable, and well–incased telescopic leveling–instrument, having a very large and clear field, and requiring but one eye to be used by an engineer or surveyor in quickly taking preliminary or approximate levels with the instrument held by hand." Maria Gurley, William's wife and executrix of his estate, obtained a patent (#360,805) for a binocular version of this instrument in 1887. Here the tube on the right holds the usual lenses of an opera glass, while the tube on the left holds the level vial, prism, and cross wires of the level. The monocular was soon selling for $12, and the binocular for $15, and both remained on the market for about 30 years. The Interstate Commerce Commission transferred this example to the Smithsonian in 1962. The inscription reads "W. & L. E. GURLEY TROY N. Y."
Ref: W. & L. E. Gurley, A Manual of the Principal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N.Y., 1893), pp. 225–226.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
W. & L. E. Gurley
ID Number
PH.321741
catalog number
321741
accession number
246883
Spirit-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a heavy metal plate marked "HENRY J. GREEN NEW YORK" and "1924." A white porcelain strip on the plate is graduated every 5 degrees Fahrenheit from -85 to +75. The stem is graduated every degree F. from -90 to +110.
Description
Spirit-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a heavy metal plate marked "HENRY J. GREEN NEW YORK" and "1924." A white porcelain strip on the plate is graduated every 5 degrees Fahrenheit from -85 to +75. The stem is graduated every degree F. from -90 to +110. It was made between 1885 and 1890 when Henry J. Green was in business on his own in New York.
John Rutherford, a Scottish country doctor, devised this form in 1790. Green stated in 1900 that it was "the only one in general use." It has a black index inside the tube. "On a decrease of temperature the alcohol recedes, taking with it the glass index; on an increase of temperature the alcohol alone ascends the tube, leaving the end of the index farthest from the bulb indicating the minimum temperature."
Ref.: Henry J. Green, Meteorological and Scientific Instruments (Brooklyn, 1900), p. 23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885-1890
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317464
accession number
230396
catalog number
317464
Alcohol-in-glass, Rutherford-type thermometer. Its silvered brass plate is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN. N.Y." and "U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and "MINIMUM" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -90 to +110.
Description
Alcohol-in-glass, Rutherford-type thermometer. Its silvered brass plate is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN. N.Y." and "U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and "MINIMUM" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -90 to +110. The stem has similar graduations.
John Rutherford, a Scottish country doctor, devised this form in 1790. Green stated in 1900 that it was "the only one in general use." It has a black index inside the tube. "On a decrease of temperature the alcohol recedes, taking with it the glass index; on an increase of temperature the alcohol alone ascends the tube, leaving the end of the index farthest from the bulb indicating the minimum temperature."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1890
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317459
accession number
230396
catalog number
317459
Mercury-in-glass thermometer so designed that an air bubble separates a small bit of mercury from the main part of the column.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer so designed that an air bubble separates a small bit of mercury from the main part of the column. When the instrument is mounted horizontally, the detached mercury remains in place when the rest of the column falls, thereby indicating the maximum temperature. John Phillips, an English geologist, introduced the form at the 1832 meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.
The bulb is spherical. The tube has a milk white back; the scale on the front extends from -30 to +110, graduated by degrees, The supporting metal plate is marked "Taylor, Rochester, N.Y." and "U.S.W.B." and "No.43191" and "MAXIMUM."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1910-1960
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
PH.317473
catalog number
317473
accession number
230396
Alcohol-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a grooved metal plate that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN, N.Y." and "No. 8727 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and "MINIMUM" and graduated every 5 degrees F. from -30 to +110.
Description
Alcohol-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a grooved metal plate that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN, N.Y." and "No. 8727 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and "MINIMUM" and graduated every 5 degrees F. from -30 to +110. The stem is graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -39 to +110.
John Rutherford, a Scottish country doctor, devised this form in 1790. Green stated in 1900 that it was "the only one in general use." It has a black index inside the tube. "On a decrease of temperature the alcohol recedes, taking with it the glass index; on an increase of temperature the alcohol alone ascends the tube, leaving the end of the index farthest from the bulb indicating the minimum temperature."
Ref.: Henry J. Green, Meteorological and Scientific Instruments (Brooklyn, 1900), p. 23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1960
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317462
accession number
230396
catalog number
317462
Alcohol-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a flat brass plate marked "NO. 1483 SIGNAL SERVICE U.S.A." and "JAS. GREEN NEW YORK." A white porcelain strip on the plate is graduated every 5 degrees Fahrenheit from -35 to+115. The bulb is spherical.
Description
Alcohol-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a flat brass plate marked "NO. 1483 SIGNAL SERVICE U.S.A." and "JAS. GREEN NEW YORK." A white porcelain strip on the plate is graduated every 5 degrees Fahrenheit from -35 to+115. The bulb is spherical. The stem is marked "U.S. 1483" and graduated (but not numbered) every degree Fahrenheit from -35 to +122. It was made between 1870 (when the U.S. Signal Service established a national weather service) and 1879 (when James Green took his nephew into partnership and began trading as J. & H. J. Green).
John Rutherford, a Scottish country doctor, devised this form in 1790. Green stated in 1900 that it was "the only one in general use." It has a black index inside the tube. "On a decrease of temperature the alcohol recedes, taking with it the glass index; on an increase of temperature the alcohol alone ascends the tube, leaving the end of the index farthest from the bulb indicating the minimum temperature."
Ref.: Henry J. Green, Meteorological and Scientific Instruments (Brooklyn, 1900), p. 23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870-1879
ID Number
PH.317465
accession number
230396
catalog number
317465
Mercury-in-glass thermometer mounted on a grooved metal plate that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN N.Y." and "No. 11065 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and graduated every five degrees Fahrenheit from -25 to +115. The stem is marked "11065" and graduated every degree F.
Description
Mercury-in-glass thermometer mounted on a grooved metal plate that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN N.Y." and "No. 11065 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and graduated every five degrees Fahrenheit from -25 to +115. The stem is marked "11065" and graduated every degree F. from -25 to +120.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1890
maker
H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317455
accession number
230396
catalog number
317455
Alcohol-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer. The back of the stem is milk glass. The clear front is marked "J. & H. J. Green. N.Y." and "Signal Service U.S. Army No. 14" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -90 to +135.
Description
Alcohol-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer. The back of the stem is milk glass. The clear front is marked "J. & H. J. Green. N.Y." and "Signal Service U.S. Army No. 14" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -90 to +135. It was made between 1879 and 1885 (when James Green worked in partnership with his nephew Henry).
John Rutherford, a Scottish country doctor, devised this form in 1790. Green stated in 1900 that it was "the only one in general use." It has a black index inside the tube. "On a decrease of temperature the alcohol recedes, taking with it the glass index; on an increase of temperature the alcohol alone ascends the tube, leaving the end of the index farthest from the bulb indicating the minimum temperature."
Ref.: Henry J. Green, Meteorological and Scientific Instruments (Brooklyn, 1900), p. 23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879-1885
maker
J. & H. J. Green
ID Number
PH.317467
accession number
230396
catalog number
317467
Victor Beaumont was a mechanic in New York City with at least six patents to his name. The patent issued on June 14, 1859, described a gauge for measuring the pressure of steam or other fluids.
Description
Victor Beaumont was a mechanic in New York City with at least six patents to his name. The patent issued on June 14, 1859, described a gauge for measuring the pressure of steam or other fluids. When he realized that Lucien Vidie, in France, had used a similar mechanism to construct the first practical aneroid barometer, Beaumont began making instruments of this sort. At the American Institute Fair of 1859 he was awarded a diploma for a “Cheap Barometer” that was “likely to prove of importance to the agricultural community, because it is cheap, costing only $4, and as effective as the most expensive kind and not likely to get out of order, and can be transported as easily as a watch, with as little danger of injury.”
This example is marked “Beaumont’s Barometer / 175 Center Street / NEW YORK / Patented June 14, 1859.” The scale extends from 18 to 31 inches of mercury, and is graduated in tenths.
Ref: Victor Beaumont, “Gage for Measuring the Pressure of Fluids,” U.S. Patent 24,365 (1859).
“A Cheap Barometer,” 18 (1859-1861): 180-181.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
maker
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
PH.313693
catalog number
313693
accession number
192408

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.