Measuring & Mapping

Vernier Compass

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.

Place: United States

Goldstone Master Clock and Distribution Assembly

This is timing equipment from NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, Calif. It was installed at Goldstone about 1984.
Description
This is timing equipment from NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, Calif. It was installed at Goldstone about 1984. Based on specifications from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the assembly was designed and made by TRAK Microwave of Tampa, Florida, and used at Goldstone to provide time codes for the ground station and space navigation until 2006. While in service, the assembly timed an impressive list of missions, including the two Voyagers launched in 1977 and the highly publicized Mars missions in 1996, 2001, 2003 and 2005. The equipment could track about thirty missions simultaneously and served about one hundred users.
The assembly contains three clocks—Clocks A, B and C (2008.0145.01, .02, and .03)—that work together as the master clock. Also known as a triple redundant clock, the three together "vote" on a single time of day, with agreement between two of the three determining the correct time. The master clock receives a reference frequency from a suite of atomic frequency standards (one primary and three backups). The master clock converts that frequency into time codes. Reference frequency signals and time codes are in turn distributed by the time insertion distribution system (2008.0145.04) to user locations in NASA's Deep Space Network for tracking spacecraft and radioastronomy experiments.
Time and frequency are essential to the Deep Space Network, a group of three communications facilities placed approximately 120 degrees apart around the world at Goldstone, near Madrid, Spain and near Canberra, Australia. The network synchronizes the three stations plus the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, to an accuracy of microseconds through comparisons with each other and with time from the Global Positioning System.
Location
Currently on loan
date made
ca 1984
ID Number
2008.0145.01
accession number
2008.0145
catalog number
2008.0145.01

Surveyor's Compass

The narrow bar, dovetails holding the vertical sights in place, and face that reads clockwise, suggest that this compass dates from the middle years of the 18th century, when its owner, a Quaker preacher named Benjamin Ferris, settled at Quaker Hill in Dutchess County, N.
Description
The narrow bar, dovetails holding the vertical sights in place, and face that reads clockwise, suggest that this compass dates from the middle years of the 18th century, when its owner, a Quaker preacher named Benjamin Ferris, settled at Quaker Hill in Dutchess County, N. Y.
Ref: Conrad S. Ham, "A Family History of a Group of Surveying Instruments 1750 to the Present Year 1954," Annual Report of Proceedings of the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers 70 (1954): 134-138.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1983.0548.01
accession number
1983.0548
catalog number
1983.0548.01

Octant

Octant with an ebony frame, reinforced brass index arm, and telescopic sight. The ivory scale is graduated every 20 minutes from -2° to +111° and read by vernier and tangent screw to single minutes of arc. The "E. & G. W.
Description
Octant with an ebony frame, reinforced brass index arm, and telescopic sight. The ivory scale is graduated every 20 minutes from -2° to +111° and read by vernier and tangent screw to single minutes of arc. The "E. & G. W. BLUNT, New York" inscription may indicate that it was made after 1857 when the Blunts began offering nautical instruments "of American manufacture," and before 1866 when the firm became Blunt & Nichols.
The inscription on the brass nameplate reads: "George Davidson. Philadelphia, Pa." George Davidson (1825-1911) was a surveyor, geodesist and astronomer affiliated with the U.S. Coast Survey.
Ref: Deborah J. Warner, "American Octants and Sextants: The Early Years," Rittenhouse 3 (1989): 86-112, on 91-92.
"George Davidson," American National Biography, vol. 6, pp. 143-144.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
E. & G. W. Blunt
ID Number
PH.314492
catalog number
314492
accession number
204107

Dry Card Compass

This nautical dry-card compass has a turned wooden bowl gimbal mounted in a wooden box. It probably dates from the middle decades of the nineteenth century. The inscription reads "C. R. SHERMAN & Co. NEW BEDFORD." Charles R. Sherman (fl.
Description
This nautical dry-card compass has a turned wooden bowl gimbal mounted in a wooden box. It probably dates from the middle decades of the nineteenth century. The inscription reads "C. R. SHERMAN & Co. NEW BEDFORD." Charles R. Sherman (fl. 1865-1905) sold instruments and other items for nautical use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-1905
maker
Sherman, Charles R.
ID Number
1995.0035.02
accession number
1995.0035
catalog number
1995.0035.02

Railroad Compass

W. & L. E. Gurley introduced this type of instrument--a railroad compass with one vernier on the limb--in 1868. This example has a hand-engraved signature, and so was made before the middle of 1876, when Gurley’s engraving machine was up and running.
Description
W. & L. E. Gurley introduced this type of instrument--a railroad compass with one vernier on the limb--in 1868. This example has a hand-engraved signature, and so was made before the middle of 1876, when Gurley’s engraving machine was up and running. The upper plate carries the sights, two level vials, and the compass. The lower plate, wider than the upper, carries the circle, which is graduated to 30 minutes and read by vernier to single minutes. A tangent screw on the south arm moves the two plates relative to one another. A variation arc on the compass face extends 30 degrees either way. The folded vernier is moved by a rack and pinion located on the north arm, and reads to 2 minutes. The compass has a blackened or bronzed finish, and a silver–plated face. New, it cost $65.
The "Fagg & Bowe 1870" signature scratched on the inside of this compass refers to George S. Fagg and Archibald H. Bowe, who began working for Gurley in 1866. The "Edward Meister Baltimore 1872" signature refers to an independent instrument maker in Baltimore, Md. The "Geo. Shilling 1904 Wash. D.C." signature refers to an independent instrument maker in Washington, D.C. The "J. Heim 1885" signature has not been identified.
Ref: W. & L. E. Gurley, A Manual of the Principal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N. Y., 1868), pp. 52–56.
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.330532
catalog number
330532
accession number
293490

Surveyor's Vernier Compass

This compass marked "Wm. J. Young Maker Philadelphia" has two notable features. One is that the variation arc and vernier mechanism are located on the compass face, under glass and protected from harm. A similar design appears in the drawing accompanying William J.
Description
This compass marked "Wm. J. Young Maker Philadelphia" has two notable features. One is that the variation arc and vernier mechanism are located on the compass face, under glass and protected from harm. A similar design appears in the drawing accompanying William J. Young's 1830 patent application for an "Improved Surveying Compass." That instrument, however, had a full divided circle rather than a small variation arc. The other feature of this compass--a dark face and a silvered needle ring--was also described in Young's patent, and seems to be found on all Young compasses with a needle 5 inches or longer. The Journal of the Franklin Institute 10 (1832): 34, explained that this improvement of Young's "consists in colouring the surface of the compass plate green, or bronzing it, instead of silvering it in the usual way, thereby relieving the eye from the unpleasant and injurious effects of the white plate. A narrow silvered rim surrounds the bronzed surface, giving a distinct view of the needle point."
This compass dates from the late 1840s or early 1850s, after the expiration of Young's patent and before Young began placing serial numbers on his instruments. The variation arc extends 20 some degrees either way, and is graduated to 30 minutes. The vernier is moved by rack and pinion located on the south arm and hidden under a brass plate, and reads to single minutes. There is an outkeeper and a level vial (now missing) on the north arm.
Ref: D. J. Warner, "William J. Young. From Craft to Industry in a Skilled Trade," Pennsylvania History 52 (1985): 53-68.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Young, William J.
ID Number
1982.0104.03
accession number
1982.0104
catalog number
1982.0104.03

Maximum and Minimum Kiosk Thermometer

Like the thermometer introduced by James Six in England in 1782, this example has a U-shaped glass tube filled with alcohol and mercury. The tube has a milk-white back, and reads from -40 to +110 Fahrenheit on either side.
Description
Like the thermometer introduced by James Six in England in 1782, this example has a U-shaped glass tube filled with alcohol and mercury. The tube has a milk-white back, and reads from -40 to +110 Fahrenheit on either side. Its two ends are bent at right angles so that their cylindrical bulbs protrude out the back of the supporting black metal plate. This plate is marked, at top, “U.S. / WEATHER BUREAU / No 32” and in the middle “Taylor Instrument Companies / ROCHESTER, N.Y.” It is also marked “Tycos” with a flag announcing the company logo, “ACCURATUS TB.”
The Weather Bureau began building kiosks in 1909, equipping them with meteorological instruments, and placing them around the country where they would be seen by citizens. This thermometer was designed for that purpose, and probably was not available commercially .
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Taylor Instrument Co.
ID Number
PH.314533
catalog number
314533
accession number
204612

Lowe's Psychrometer

Nathaniel M. Lowe, the manufacturer of Edson's Hygrodeik, patented a similar but somewhat simpler instrument for showing relative humidity. In this example, the chart is marked "LOWE'S Graphic Hygrometer or Hygrodeik" and "N. M.
Description
Nathaniel M. Lowe, the manufacturer of Edson's Hygrodeik, patented a similar but somewhat simpler instrument for showing relative humidity. In this example, the chart is marked "LOWE'S Graphic Hygrometer or Hygrodeik" and "N. M. LOWE, BOSTON, Mass." and "Patented April 9, 1878."
Ref: N. M. Lowe, "Psychrometers," U.S. Patent 202276 (1878).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Lowe, Nathaniel M.
ID Number
PH.325390
catalog number
325390
accession number
254284

E. and G. W. Bartholomew Shelf Clock, about 1820

Made by E. and G. W. Bartholomew in Bristol, Conn., about 1820, this clock features a thirty-hour wooden movement that strikes the hours.
Description
Made by E. and G. W. Bartholomew in Bristol, Conn., about 1820, this clock features a thirty-hour wooden movement that strikes the hours. The white-painted dial has Roman hour numerals, painted spandrels in gold and a central stylized ring of gold-painted designs inside the ring of hours. The mahogany case has a carved eagle splat, two hollow columns through which the weights fall, paw feet and three central parts: a clear glass door covers the dial, the center features a mirror and the bottom glass panel shows a reverse-painted scene with a structure and a tree inside a gold-leaf rectangle. Two weights and a brass-covered pendulum bob also survive. Inside the case, a printed label reads: "Patent Clocks Manufactured & Sold by E. & G. Bartholomew, Bristol, Conn. P. Canfield, Printer, Hartford.”
George Wells Bartholomew and his cousin Eli started a clockmaking business in Bristol, Conn., in 1828, and, when the partnership dissolved in a few short years, G. W. continued alone until 1840. He then opened a cutlery business, but abandoned it in 1848 to head to the California gold fields.
Reference:
Smith, Eddy N. et al., Bristol, Connecticut: “in the Olden Time New Cambridge,” which includes Forestville. Hartford, Conn.: City Printing, 1907.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830
manufacturer
E. & G. Bartholomew
ID Number
ME.317039
catalog number
317039
accession number
233061

Surveyor's Vernier Compass

This compass is marked "T. R. RANDOLPH CINCINNATI. O." and "1234" and "PATENTED JUNE 24 '79." On June 24, 1879, Theodore F.
Description
This compass is marked "T. R. RANDOLPH CINCINNATI. O." and "1234" and "PATENTED JUNE 24 '79." On June 24, 1879, Theodore F. Randolph received a patent (#216,759) for a surveyor's compass with a telescope sight, in which the telescope and its supports can be detached from the compass. In this example (which is missing the telescope and its supports) the raised rim is silvered, and graduated to 30 minutes. The variation arc, which is located on the compass face, extends 25 degrees either way, and reads by double vernier to single minutes. The carrying case is marked "PATENTED NOV. 9, 1880," referring to Randolphs' patent (#234,331) for a seamless leather container of this sort. This instrument belonged to the University of Missouri at Columbia.
Ref: T. F. Randolph, Illustrated Catalogue and Price List (Cincinnati, 1892), p. 2.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Randolph, Theodore F.
ID Number
PH.333647
catalog number
333647
accession number
300659

Wye Level

This level, which dates from the period 1875–1890 when F. Brandis & Co. was trading as such, is similar to the "18 Inch Patented Improved Wye Level as Made for U.S. Engineer Corps" that Brandis advertised in 1881, and that cost $140.
Description
This level, which dates from the period 1875–1890 when F. Brandis & Co. was trading as such, is similar to the "18 Inch Patented Improved Wye Level as Made for U.S. Engineer Corps" that Brandis advertised in 1881, and that cost $140. The patent in question (#201,155), granted to Brandis on March 12, 1878, described a spindle attachment that connects the telescopic level to the leveling head. The compass on this example is marked "F. BRANDIS & CO., NEW YORK 531." A label in the box dates from the period 1878–1879 when Brandis was in business with Richard Teckritz. It reads: "BRANDIS & TECKRITZ, MAKE in the most accurate manner, ALL KINDS OF MATHEMATICAL & ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENTS. Theodolites, Transits, Leveling Instruments, Sextants, Quadrants, Etc. Etc. All kinds of Instruments re–divided, re–paired and adjusted. No. 55 FULTON ST. NEW YORK."
Ref: F. E. Brandis, Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue of Instruments of Precision for Field and Astronomical Purposes (New York, 1881), p.38.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
F. Brandis & Co.
ID Number
PH.337013
accession number
1979.0214
catalog number
337013

Surveyor's Transit

The inscription on this transit reads "Stackpole & Brother New York 655." The original bill of sale shows that John Ferris, a surveyor of Dutchess County, N. Y., bought this instrument from the Stackpoles in 1866.
Description
The inscription on this transit reads "Stackpole & Brother New York 655." The original bill of sale shows that John Ferris, a surveyor of Dutchess County, N. Y., bought this instrument from the Stackpoles in 1866. The basic trabsut cost $250, while the meridian finder--marked "Stackpole's Mern. Findr. Patented, Sep. 26, 1865 107"--cost an additional $40. William Stackpole's patent (#50,182) describes a small reflector that attaches to the objective end of the telescope, and that enables a surveyor to easily use the sun to locate the true meridian.
Ref: Conrad S. Ham, "A Family History of a Group of Surveying Instruments, 1750 to the Present Year 1954," Annual Report of Proceedings of the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers 70 (1954): 134-138.
Location
Currently not on view
owner
Ferris, John
maker
Stackpole and Brother
ID Number
1983.0548.06
maker number
655
accession number
1983.0548
catalog number
1983.0548.06

Wye Level

This wye level was made by Edmund Draper in Philadelphia, around 1870. The inscriptions read "E. Draper. Philad" and "294."Currently not on view
Description
This wye level was made by Edmund Draper in Philadelphia, around 1870. The inscriptions read "E. Draper. Philad" and "294."
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Draper, Edmund
ID Number
PH.337021
accession number
1977.1101
catalog number
337021

Surveyor's Vernier Compass

This surveyor's vernier compass has an unusual and ornate face decorated with Masonic symbols. The variation arc on the north arm extends 10 degrees either way; the vernier is moved by rack and pinion, and reads to 10 minutes. A level vial is on the south arm. The "J.
Description
This surveyor's vernier compass has an unusual and ornate face decorated with Masonic symbols. The variation arc on the north arm extends 10 degrees either way; the vernier is moved by rack and pinion, and reads to 10 minutes. A level vial is on the south arm. The "J. SIMPSON BARDSTOWN KY" inscription refers to Jonathan Simpson (1787-1863) who was was working in Kentucky by 1820, and who advertised in the Bardstown newspaper, The Republican, on October 3, 1844: "I shall keep on hand a constant supply of SILVERWORK of my own manufacture-warranted to be as good as any manufactured in the United States, and at the Cincinnati prices. My necessities compel me to labour as much as ever I did. I have a few Surveying instruments on hand, which I will sell very low."
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Simpson, Jonathan
ID Number
PH.325686
catalog number
325686
accession number
257690

Lowe's Graphic Hygrometer

Nathaniel M. Lowe, the manufacturer of Edson's Hygrodeik, designed a similar but somewhat simpler instrument for showing the dew point and relative humidity. In this example, the chart is on a white enamel plate marked "LOWE'S Graphic hygrometer" and a monogram.
Description
Nathaniel M. Lowe, the manufacturer of Edson's Hygrodeik, designed a similar but somewhat simpler instrument for showing the dew point and relative humidity. In this example, the chart is on a white enamel plate marked "LOWE'S Graphic hygrometer" and a monogram. It came to the Smithsonian from Trenton State University.
Ref: N. M. Lowe, "Psychrometers," U.S. Patent 202276 (1878).
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Lowe, Nathaniel M.
ID Number
1982.0230.11
accession number
1982.0230
catalog number
1982.0230.11

Surveyor's Vernier Compass

The rim of this Gurley vernier compass is graduated to 30 minutes. The variation arc on the south arm extends 20 degrees either way, and is read by folded vernier to 2 minutes. Two level vials are on the north arm, and an outkeeper is on the south arm.
Description
The rim of this Gurley vernier compass is graduated to 30 minutes. The variation arc on the south arm extends 20 degrees either way, and is read by folded vernier to 2 minutes. Two level vials are on the north arm, and an outkeeper is on the south arm. The side of one vertical sight is graduated to half degrees, for determining angles of elevation or depression. The machine-engraved signature indicates that it was made after 1876. This compass came to the Smithsonian from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
Ref: W. & L. E. Gurley, A Manual of the Principal Instruments Used in American Engineering and Surveying (Troy, N.Y., 1904), pp. 108-120.
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.333661
catalog number
333661
accession number
300659

Geodetic Transit

This transit marked "USC&GS No. 18" was designed by E. G. Fischer, chief mechanician of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. It is one of two identical instruments that were built in the Survey's instrument shop in 1888–1889.
Description
This transit marked "USC&GS No. 18" was designed by E. G. Fischer, chief mechanician of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. It is one of two identical instruments that were built in the Survey's instrument shop in 1888–1889. They were said to be "the most complete and best constructed transits the Survey has ever had for longitude." They had about the same optical power as the transits that Troughton & Simms had made in the 1840s, but weighed substantially less. When packed in two boxes for transportation, each instrument weighed "only" about 350 pounds. John Clacey made the objective lenses, and Edward Kahler made the eyepieces.
G. N. Saegmuller, who offered an apparently identical instrument for $900, termed it a "Coast Survey Transit. No. 30" and noted that the Survey used instruments of this sort "for time observations only."
Ref: Edwin Smith, "A Description of Two New Portable Transit Instruments for Longitude Work," Report of the Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey for 1889 (Washington, D.C., 1890), Appendix No. 9.
G. N. Saegmuller, Descriptive Price–List of First–Class Engineering & Astronomical Instruments (Washington, D.C., 1903), p. 75.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
PH.316661.01
accession number
226636
catalog number
316661

Surveyor's Vernier Compass

This compass belonged to John Johnson (1771-1841), the Surveyor-General of Vermont, and the American Commissioner for the survey of the boundary between Maine and Canada in 1817-1820.
Description
This compass belonged to John Johnson (1771-1841), the Surveyor-General of Vermont, and the American Commissioner for the survey of the boundary between Maine and Canada in 1817-1820. From correspondence in the John Johnson papers at the University of Vermont Library, we know that Johnson purchased several instruments from Richard Patten in New York. In March 1820, Johnson ordered two compasses, specifying in great detail which features he wanted on each. For himself he wanted a compass "of at least 7-inch Needle with a tangent Screw and Nonius as to turn it upon minutes." Johnson also ordered a $35 plain compass with a 6-inch needle, for a gentleman of his acquaintance.
The face of this compass is marked "Richard Patten. N. York" and reads clockwise. The vernier appears on a slit cut into the face, while the variation arc, which extends some 20 degrees either way, is located below. This vernier is moved by a rack and pinion on the north arm, and reads to 10 minutes.
Ref: Deborah J. Warner, "Richard Patten (1792-1865)," Rittenhouse 6 (1992): 57-63.
"John Johnson" in Abby M. Hemenway, ed., The Vermont Historical Gazeteer (Burlington, Vt., 1868), vol. 1, pp. 596-599
"John Johnson" in National Cyclopaedia of American History, vol. 17, pp. 290-291
Johnson's report on and correspondence relating to the Maine-Canada boundary survey, in University of Vermont Library.
Location
Currently not on view
owner
Johnson, John
maker
Patten, Richard
ID Number
PH.309544
accession number
95588
catalog number
309544

Winlock and Huddleston Psychrometer

Joseph Winlock, a professor of astronomy at Harvard, and John S. F.
Description
Joseph Winlock, a professor of astronomy at Harvard, and John S. F. Huddleston, a thermometer and barometer maker in Boston, designed this instrument to provide "a simple, efficient, and convenient means of determining the relative humidity of the atmosphere or the dew-point, so called, without calculation."
In this example, the dry bulb thermometer is mounted on a plate that is marked "HYGROPHANT" and "PATENTED MARCH 31, 1874" and and "805" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -30 to +125. The wet bulb thermometer is mounted on a plate that is marked "HUDDLESTON BOSTON" and graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -10 to +125. Between the two is a rotating chart that indicates relative humidity, as well as a plate graduated every degree from 0 to +110.
Ref: J. Winlock and J. S. F. Huddleston, "Psychrometer," U.S. Patent 149176 (1874).
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Huddleston, John S. F.
Winlock, Joseph
ID Number
PH.314864
catalog number
314864
accession number
211531

Surveyor's Compass

The "THOS H. BALCH Maker State Street NEWBURYPORT" inscription on the paper card on this wooden compass refers to Thomas H. Balch (1771-1817).
Description
The "THOS H. BALCH Maker State Street NEWBURYPORT" inscription on the paper card on this wooden compass refers to Thomas H. Balch (1771-1817). According to an advertisement in the Newburyport [Massachusetts] Herald for August 8, 1806, Balch's shop could be found under the Sign of the Mariner's Compass. Like many artisans, Balch did not make every part of every instrument that carried his name. From research in local records, Martha Fales found that a local cabinet maker named George Short made the boxes for Balch's nautical compasses.
Ref: Martha G. Fales, "Makers of Mariners' Compasses in Newburyport," American Neptune 28 (1968): 144-145.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Balch, Thomas H.
Short, George
ID Number
PH.337209
catalog number
337209
accession number
1979.0260

Gradienter

This instrument is signed "Geo. Shilling Washn D.C." and "15. U.S.G.S." It was made after 1882 when George Shilling went into business, and before 1907, when the U.S. Geological Survey transferred it to the Smithsonian.
Description
This instrument is signed "Geo. Shilling Washn D.C." and "15. U.S.G.S." It was made after 1882 when George Shilling went into business, and before 1907, when the U.S. Geological Survey transferred it to the Smithsonian. The horizontal circle and vertical arc are silvered, graduated to 30 minutes, and read by verniers to single minutes. A trough compass and level vial sit atop the telescope; a circular level sits on the horizontal circle, obscuring most of Shilling's signature.
George Shilling (1844–1917) was born and educated in Norway and moved to the United States in 1867. In 1882, after working in several American instrument shops, he went into business on his own as a manufacturer of surveying and astronomical instruments. His shop was in Washington, D.C., and the federal government was his biggest customer.
Ref: Historical and Commercial Sketches of Washington and Environs (Washington, D.C., 1884), p. 194.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Shilling, George
ID Number
PH.247908
catalog number
247908
accession number
47736

Thermometer

Mercury in glass Fahrenheit thermometer with a brass scale and a brass protective case. The scale ranges from 0 to 220 degrees, graduated every two degrees, and marked "FREEZING", "BLOOD HEAT", and "WATER BOILS." It is also marked "G. TAGLIBUE 302 PEARL ST.
Description
Mercury in glass Fahrenheit thermometer with a brass scale and a brass protective case. The scale ranges from 0 to 220 degrees, graduated every two degrees, and marked "FREEZING", "BLOOD HEAT", and "WATER BOILS." It is also marked "G. TAGLIBUE 302 PEARL ST. N.Y."
Tagliabue was an extended family of Italian descent that specialized in producing such glass instruments as thermometers, barometers, hydrometers and hygrometers. Giuseppe Tagliabue (1812-1878) was born in Como, Italy, apprenticed with a brother in England, immigrated to the United States, established a business in New York in 1834, and won numerous awards for his instruments.
Ref.: "Giuseppe Tagliabue," in , vol 18, p. 273.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Tagliabue, Giuseppe
ID Number
PH.333985
accession number
304826
catalog number
333985

Sextant

This sextant has a brass frame, and a silvered scale graduated every 10 minutes from -5° to +180° and read by vernier with tangent screw and swinging magnifier to 10 seconds of arc. The inscriptions read "Stackpole & Brother New York" and "2258."Ref: Deborah J.
Description
This sextant has a brass frame, and a silvered scale graduated every 10 minutes from -5° to +180° and read by vernier with tangent screw and swinging magnifier to 10 seconds of arc. The inscriptions read "Stackpole & Brother New York" and "2258."
Ref: Deborah J. Warner, "American Octants and Sextants: The Early Years," Rittenhouse 3 (1989): 86-112, on 108-109.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
maker
Stackpole & Brother
ID Number
PH.335211
accession number
317998
catalog number
335211

Fteley-Stearns Water Current Meter

Alphonse Fteley was a French engineer who came to the United States in 1865 abdm in 1873, took charge of the Sudbury River Waterworks that would bring potable water from the Sudbury River to customers in Boston.
Description
Alphonse Fteley was a French engineer who came to the United States in 1865 abdm in 1873, took charge of the Sudbury River Waterworks that would bring potable water from the Sudbury River to customers in Boston. To gauge the water flow in the Sudbury River, Fteley borrowed a Baumgarten current meter from General Theodore G. Ellis. Then, working with Buff & Berger, a mathematical instrument firm in Boston, Fteley and his assistant, Frederick P. Stearns, devised a meter with a larger rotor, eight blades with a longer pitch, and a different mechanism for the counting wheels.
Buff & Berger was offering Fteley-Stearns direct-reading water current meters by the early 1880s. Following the dissolution of that firm in 1898, instruments of this sort could be had from Buff & Buff and from C. L. Berger & Sons. A Fteley-Stearns meter with ordinary registering apparatus cost $160 in 1899. The same, with an electric register, cost $220.
This example is marked “C. L. Berger & Sons / Boston, U.S.A. / 5969.” The additional “U.S.G.S. / 781 / HYDRO” mark indicates that it was used by the Hydrologic Department of the U.S. Geological Survey. Arthur Frazier donated it to the Smithsonian in 1970.
Ref: Alphonse Fteley and Frederick P. Stearns, “Description of some Experiments on the Flow of Water, made during the Construction of Works for Conveying the Water of Sudbury River to Boston,” Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers 12 (1883): 1-118.
Frederick P. Stearns, “On the Current Meter, Together with a Reason Why the Maximum Velocity of the Water Flowing in Open Channels is Below the Surface,” Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers 12 (1883): 301-388.
C. L. Berger & Sons, Hand-Book and Illustrated Catalogue of the Engineers’ and Surveyors’ Instruments (Boston, 1899), pp. 196-199.
“Alphonse Fteley,” Journal of the Association of Engineering Societies 31 (1903): 213-215.
Arthur H. Frazier, Water Current Meters in the Smithsonian Collections of the National Museum of History and Technology (Washington, D.C., 1974), pp. 59-60.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1898
maker
C. L. Berger and Sons
ID Number
PH.330410
accession number
289788
catalog number
330410

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