Science & Mathematics

Chemical Balance

The Museum's collections hold thousands of objects related to chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and other sciences. Instruments range from early American telescopes to lasers. Rare glassware and other artifacts from the laboratory of Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen, are among the scientific treasures here. A Gilbert chemistry set of about 1937 and other objects testify to the pleasures of amateur science. Artifacts also help illuminate the social and political history of biology and the roles of women and minorities in science.

The mathematics collection holds artifacts from slide rules and flash cards to code-breaking equipment. More than 1,000 models demonstrate some of the problems and principles of mathematics, and 80 abstract paintings by illustrator and cartoonist Crockett Johnson show his visual interpretations of mathematical theorems.

Topic: Scale Rules

Bruning 2090P Open Divided Scale

This white and orange plastic rule has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot along its top edge on the front side. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to 8, and numbered from right to left by ones from 0 to 4.
Description
This white and orange plastic rule has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot along its top edge on the front side. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to 8, and numbered from right to left by ones from 0 to 4. The bottom edge has scales for 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 44, and numbered from right to left by twos from 0 to 22. The top edge is marked: BRUNING 2090P. It is also marked: MADE IN U.S.A.
On the back, the top edge has scales for 3/8" and 3/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/8", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to [1]2, and numbered from right to left by ones from 0 to 6. The bottom edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. A brown leather sheath is marked: BRUNING.
Charles Bruning (1866–1931) was born in Denmark and immigrated to the United States. In Chicago during the 1890s, he became interested in the blue print business. In 1897, he set up his own blue printing company in Manhattan, which was incorporated as the New York Blue Print Paper Company in 1901. Around 1920 he purchased American Blue Print Company of Chicago, and the combined firms became known as the Charles Bruning Company, Inc.
By 1936, the firm was offering model 2090 in boxwood and with plastic edges over boxwood. It began to make the rule from molded plastic in 1948, but it did not give the rule model number 2090P until 1952, when the rule sold for $1.80. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993). For other open divided or chain scales, see 1998.0032.08, 1981.0933.14, 1981.0933.15, and 1992.0433.04.
References: "Charles Bruning," New York Times (January 31, 1931), 14; Charles Bruning Company, Inc., General Catalog, 12th ed. (New York, 1936), 120; Charles Bruning Company, Inc., General Catalog, 14th ed. (New York, [1948]), 88; Charles Bruning Company, Inc., General Catalog, 15th ed. (Teterboro, N.J., and Chicago, 1952), 115; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1952
maker
Charles Bruning Company
ID Number
1998.0032.09
catalog number
1998.0032.09
accession number
1998.0332

Alteneder Opposite Bevel Chain Scale Retailed by B. K. Elliott

This six-inch wooden ruler is beveled and coated with white plastic along both long edges. One side is divided to 1/50" and numbered in both directions from 0 to 6. The number "50" is printed below the three-inch mark, and the center of the rule is marked: ALTENEDER.
Description
This six-inch wooden ruler is beveled and coated with white plastic along both long edges. One side is divided to 1/50" and numbered in both directions from 0 to 6. The number "50" is printed below the three-inch mark, and the center of the rule is marked: ALTENEDER. The other side is divided to 1/32" and numbered in both directions from 0 to 6. The number "32" is printed below the three-inch mark, and the wooden part of the rule is marked: B. K. ELLIOTT Co. PITTSBURGH – CLEVELAND. It is also marked: R. S. C. It is also marked: U.S. ST'D.
Theodore Alteneder began making drawing instruments in Philadelphia in 1850, and the firm remains in existence as a manufacturer of photoengraving equipment. Byron Kenneth Elliott (b. 1870) opened a store in Pittsburgh in 1897 that sold drawing, surveying, and optical equipment. The shop closed in 1980. The donor's father, Robert S. Condon, used this instrument.
The date for this object is uncertain. Theo. Alteneder & Sons made a 6" opposite bevel scale with white edges and these divisions as model 2232 from 1940 (when it cost $1.35) to at least 1958 (when it cost $3.25). However, according to catalog illustrations, the company mark during this period had the firm's full name around a circle, while this object has only "Alteneder" in a straight line. The scale does not appear in the 3rd, 5th, or 1948 7th editions of B. K. Elliott catalogs.
References: "Byron Kenneth Elliott," in History of Pittsburgh and Environs (New York and Chicago: American Historical Society, 1922), 35–36; Alteneder Drawing Instruments (Philadelphia, 1940), 26; Alteneder Drawing Instruments (Philadelphia, 1958), 26; Catalogue and Price List of B. K. Elliott Co., 3rd ed. (Pittsburgh, n.d.), 134, 140; Catalogue and Price List of B. K. Elliott Co., 5th ed. (Pittsburgh, n.d.), 135; Catalogue and Price List of B. K. Elliott Co., 7th ed. (Pittsburgh, 1948).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
distributor
B. K. Elliott Co.
maker
Theodore Alteneder and Sons
ID Number
1991.0793.01
accession number
1991.0793
catalog number
1991.0793.01

Dietzgen 1298-B Blackboard Rule

This three-foot wooden rule was sold as part of a set of instruments for blackboard use. It is divided to 1/8" along one edge and numbered in red for feet and in black for inches.
Description
This three-foot wooden rule was sold as part of a set of instruments for blackboard use. It is divided to 1/8" along one edge and numbered in red for feet and in black for inches. A horizontal handle in the center of the rule assists with positioning it against the blackboard, and a round hole at the right end is for hanging the instrument. The lower right corner is marked: DIETZGEN (/) MADE IN U.S.A. (/) 1298-B.
The Eugene Dietzgen Company of Chicago began numbering its blackboard drawing instruments individually by 1910, when it priced the four pieces at $1.25 each or $5.00 for the set. However, through at least 1938, the handle on the ruler was shaped like a knob, not as a horizontal bar. For related object, see 1999.0117.02.
The instrument was used by Margaret G. Aldrich teaching mathematics at Montgomery College, established as Montgomery Junior College in Takoma Park, Maryland.
References: Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 7th ed. (Chicago, 1904), 151; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 9th ed. (Chicago, 1910–1911), 194; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 15th ed. (Chicago, 1938), 210.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Eugene Dietzgen Company
ID Number
1999.0160.01
catalog number
1999.0160.01
accession number
1999.0160

Persian Drah

This wooden rectangular rule is reported to be a Persian drah, or pic, a unit of length measure used in surveying and architecture. According to Russ Rowlett, the pic (or pik) was a traditional unit of distance in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.
Description
This wooden rectangular rule is reported to be a Persian drah, or pic, a unit of length measure used in surveying and architecture. According to Russ Rowlett, the pic (or pik) was a traditional unit of distance in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East. An "arm" unit, like the ell, the pic varied considerably. A typical value was about 28 inches (71 centimeters). This example is divided on one side in pencil and on the other with carved notches. The divisions on the pencil side are at: 3.0, 6.3, 9.6, 12.7, 25.3, 28.3, 31.6, 37.8, 50.3, 53.4, 56.6, 59.8, and 62.7 cm. The divisions on the notched side are at: 12.5, 15.7, 18.8, 21.8, 25.0, 37.9, 41.0, 44.2, 47.1, 50.2, 56.2, 59.2, and 62.3 cm.
The pencil side is marked at the right end: teheran (/) dept of State. In 1892, the U.S. Department of State transferred this object to the Smithsonian.
Reference: Russ Rowlett, How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement, July 11, 2005, http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/index.html.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1979.0991.01
accession number
1979.0991
catalog number
166897

Gunter's Scale Signed Merrifield & Co.

In 1614 Scottish mathematician John Napier announced his discovery of logarithms.
Description
In 1614 Scottish mathematician John Napier announced his discovery of logarithms. Within eight years, Edmund Gunter, an English clergyman who was interested in mathematics, had devised a scale on which logarithms could be multiplied and divided, by measuring the distance between two logarithmic numbers with a pair of dividers. Shortly thereafter, instrument makers were manufacturing wooden rules with standard (or "natural") scales typically used in navigation on one side and Gunter's logarithmic (or "artificial") scales on the other side.
This instrument, a precursor of the slide rule, became known as Gunter's scale. Since it was made of one piece of wood, the expansion and shrinking that happened at sea did not impede its operation. Thus, Gunter's scale remained popular with ship's navigators until the end of the 19th century, when new materials were available for the manufacture of slide rules. Surveyors, mechanics, craftsmen, and retailers also used Gunter's scales to make logarithmic and trigonometric calculations.
This 2' boxwood rule is identical to 319077 and 333945. The top of one side has a scale of inches, divided to tenths of an inch and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. On the left are 10" and 9" (divided to 1/2") plotting scales with diagonal scales at each end. In the middle are scales for rhumbs, chords, sines, tangents, and semitangents. On the right are scales for leagues, rhumbs, miles of longitude, and chords. Brass pins at the zero and 60° marks reduce wear from the points of dividers, which were used to transfer measurements between the scale and the user's drawing.
The other side has logarithmic scales: sines of rhumbs, tangents of rhumbs, line of numbers, sines of degrees, versines of degrees, and tangent of degrees. At the bottom edge are a meridional line and a scale of equal parts that divides 23" into 17 sections. The sections are numbered by tens from 60 to 10 and from 100 to 0.
On the side with the scale of inches, the rule is marked in the lower right corner: MERRIFIELD & CO (/) NEW-YORK. Merrifield & Co. sold Gunter's scales in Boston and New York in the early 19th century.
References: Adler Planetarium, Webster Signature Database, http://historydb.adlerplanetarium.org/signatures/; Otto van Poelje, "Gunter Rules in Navigation," Journal of the Oughtred Society 13, no. 1 (2004): 11–22; George Curtis, A Treatise on Gunter's Scale, and the Sliding Rule (Whitehall, N.Y., 1824); Florian Cajori, "On the History of Gunter's Scale and the Slide Rule During the Seventeenth Century," University of California Publications in Mathematics 1, no. 9 (February 17, 1920): 187–209.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1825
retailer
Merrifield & Co.
maker
Merrifield & Co.
ID Number
MA.318174
catalog number
318174
accession number
232132

Gunter's Scales, Group of 2

These two 2' boxwood rules are identical to each other and to MA.319077 and MA.318174. The top of one side has a scale of inches, divided to tenths of an inch and numbered by ones from 23 to 1.
Description
These two 2' boxwood rules are identical to each other and to MA.319077 and MA.318174. The top of one side has a scale of inches, divided to tenths of an inch and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. On the left are 10" and 9" (divided to 1/2") plotting scales with diagonal scales at each end. In the middle are scales for rhumbs, chords, sines, tangents, and semi-tangents. On the right are scales for leagues, rhumbs, miles of longitude, and chords. Brass pins at the zero and 60° marks reduce wear from the points of dividers, which were used to transfer measurements between the scale and the user's drawing.
The other side has logarithmic scales: sines of rhumbs, tangents of rhumbs, line of numbers, sines of degrees, versines of degrees, and tangent of degrees. At the bottom edge are a meridional line and a scale of equal parts that divides 23" into 17 sections. The sections are numbered by tens from 60 to 10 and from 100 to 0.
The first rule is marked on the first side in the lower right corner: BELCHER BROS. & Co. NEW – YORK. Thomas Belcher began making rules in New York in 1821 and was joined by his brother, William, in 1825. Around 1831 another brother, Charles, joined the firm, and the company's name was changed from T. & W. Belcher to Belcher Brothers. Around 1843 manufacturing of rules moved to New Jersey and the firm went by the name Belcher & Bros. Around 1853 some of the men's sons joined the firm, and the name was changed to Belcher Bros. & Co. The first rule dates to this period. The company had become the largest American manufacturer of rules, but it was surpassed by Stanley in the second half of the 19th century. Belcher stopped manufacturing rules around 1877.
The second rule is unmarked. Key points around the scales are marked with suns, unlike the asterisks on the first rule; the abbreviations for the scale labels are different; and the bottom edge is beveled at a sharper angle than the bottom edge of the first rule. These differences indicate that the second rule was manufactured by a different firm. This rule also has pencil marks on the top and bottom edges.
References: Otto van Poelje, "Gunter Rules in Navigation," Journal of the Oughtred Society 13, no. 1 (2004): 11–22; Belcher Bros. & Co.'s Price List of Boxwood & Ivory Rules (New York, 1860; reprint, Fitzwilliam, N.H.: Ken Roberts Publishing Co., 1982); Philip A. Cannon II, "The Makers and Markers of Gauges, Rules, Squares, and Tapes," http://www.pactu.com/makers.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853–1877
maker
Belcher Brothers
ID Number
MA.333945
accession number
296611
catalog number
333945

Darling & Bailey Drafting Rule

Four scales of inches are on this two-sided, 12-inch steel rule used for engineering drawing. On one side, nine inches of one scale are divided to 1/10", one inch is divided to 1/20", one inch is divided to 1/50", and one inch is divided to 1/100".
Description
Four scales of inches are on this two-sided, 12-inch steel rule used for engineering drawing. On one side, nine inches of one scale are divided to 1/10", one inch is divided to 1/20", one inch is divided to 1/50", and one inch is divided to 1/100". Ten inches of the other scale are divided to 1/16", one inch is divided to 1/32", and one inch is divided to 1/64". The ruler is marked: D. & B. (/) BANGOR Me. (/) U.S. Stnd. It is also engraved: W.A.L.
On the other side, ten inches of one scale are divided to 1/12", one inch is divided to 1/24", and one inch is divided to 1/48". Eleven inches of the other scale are divided to 1/14", and one inch is divided to 1/28". The ruler is engraved: W.A.L.
A farmer and sawmill owner turned toolmaker, Samuel Darling (1815–1896) apparently first made machine tools in 1846. He built a dividing engine and partnered with Edward H. Bailey in Bangor, Me., in 1852. The next year, Darling received his first patent and bought out Bailey, and by 1854 he was in partnership with Michael Schwartz of Bangor. That business lasted until Darling moved his craftsmen and equipment to Brown & Sharpe's Providence, R.I., workshop in 1866. Thus, this object was made between 1852 and 1853. For a drafting tool invented by Darling, see 1977.0460.01 and 1990.0317.02.
An unidentified relative of Erasmus Darwin Leavitt Jr. (1836–1916), the renowned American mechanical engineer and designer of steam engines, owned this rule. (None of Leavitt's children had names that began with "W," and his father's name was also Erasmus.)
References: Samuel Darling, "Apparatus for Grinding and Shaping Metals" (U.S. Patent 9,976 issued August 30, 1853); Davistown Museum, "Registry of Maine Toolmaker Listings," http://www.davistownmuseum.org/TDMtoolMakers.html; Henry Dexter Sharpe, A Measure of Perfection: The History of Brown & Sharpe (North Kingston, R.I.: Brown & Sharpe, 1949), http://www.roseantiquetools.com/id44.html.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1852–1853
maker
Darling, Samuel
ID Number
1977.0460.05
accession number
1977.0460
catalog number
336076

Whitehead & Hoag Ruler Advertising E. Machlett & Son

This white plastic advertising rule has a scale of inches along the top edge, divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 1 to 6, and a scale of centimeters along the bottom edge, divided to millimeters and numbered by ones from 1 to 15.
Description
This white plastic advertising rule has a scale of inches along the top edge, divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 1 to 6, and a scale of centimeters along the bottom edge, divided to millimeters and numbered by ones from 1 to 15. A list of equivalent measures is at the right end. The center of the rule is marked: E. MACHLETT & SON (/) 22 E. 23rd Street NEW YORK 10, N.Y. (/) Laboratory APPARATUS & CHEMICALS (/) ESTABLISHED 1897. The left end is marked: PHONE (/) LEXINGTON 2-1313 (/) BELL TELETYPE (/) N. Y. 1-2444.
The back of the rule has scales for converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures and for measuring the size of a cork. A table of diameters and weights of rubber stoppers is in the lower right corner. The center of the rule is marked: MACHLETT. The right end is marked in very small type: WHITEHEAD-HOAG NEWARK N J.
Founded in 1892 and in business until 1959, Whitehead & Hoag was a major producer of paper and plastic advertising novelties. It was headquartered in Newark but had branch offices in about thirty cities around the world. For other mathematical objects made by this company, see 1984.1080.01, 1987.0221.02, 1988.0323.01, 1988.0350.01, and 2004.010.0170. Items made by Whitehead & Hoag are also found in several other Museum collections, including numismatics, political history, and medicine.
E. Machlett & Son began making glass laboratory apparatus in New York City in 1897. Fisher Scientific acquired the firm in 1957. The U.S. Post Office Department began using two-digit postal codes in 1943, so that must be the earliest date for the instrument.
References: "Whitehead and Hoag Collection," Nehushtan Antiques, http://www.nehushtanantiques.com/whitehead_and_hoag.html; Laine Farley, "Whitehead & Hoag Celluloid Bookmarks," http://www.bibliobuffet.com/on-marking-books-columns-195/archive-index-on-marking-books/1039-whitehead-a-hoag-celluloid-bookmarks-053109; Machlett advertisement, Analytical Chemistry 25, no. 4 (1953): 15A.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943–1957
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
MA.335274
accession number
314637
catalog number
335274

Keuffel & Esser 1419P Chain Scale

This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge is divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones in both directions from 0 to 6.
Description
This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge is divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones in both directions from 0 to 6. The bottom edge is divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos in both directions from 0 to 24. The middle of this side is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER (/) N.Y.; PARAGON (/) 1419P; TRADE MARK (below the K&E eagle logo). It is also marked: LARSEN.
The other side is divided along the top edge to 1/50" and numbered by twos in both directions from 0 to 30. The bottom edge is divided to 1/30" and numbered by twos in both directions from 0 to 18. The middle of this side is marked: LARSEN. An orange leather sheath is marked: K & E CO. The back of the sheath is marked: P. M. L.
Keuffel & Esser of New York City sold model 1419P with a celluloid coating from 1913, for $1.35, to at least 1954, for $4.20. The markings on this example suggest it was made between 1913 and 1921.
William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008) donated this object, which he presumably acquired secondhand from P. M. Larsen. Ellenberger studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
References: Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 33rd ed. (New York, 1909), 184; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 34th ed. (New York, 1913), 177; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 36th ed. (New York, 1921), 124; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 213; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 42nd ed. (New York, 1954), 182; "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913–1921
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1981.0933.14
accession number
1981.0933
catalog number
1981.0933.14

Lufkin 651B Folding Rule

This four-fold boxwood rule has a brass round joint at the center and two brass hinges. It is two feet long when unfolded. One side has a scale of inches divided to 1/8" and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. One arm is marked: No 651B LUFKIN RULE CO.
Description
This four-fold boxwood rule has a brass round joint at the center and two brass hinges. It is two feet long when unfolded. One side has a scale of inches divided to 1/8" and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. One arm is marked: No 651B LUFKIN RULE CO. The other arm is marked: 1681 MADE IN U.S.A. PAT'D 12–3–18.
The other side has a scale of inches divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 23 to 1. One arm is marked: WARRANTED BOXWOOD. The other arm is marked: N.Y.C. APP. TYPE 352 SERIAL E 2.
Initially a manufacturer of boards for measuring timber and then of steel measuring tapes, the Lufkin Rule Company took that name in 1885 and moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to Saginaw, Mich., in 1895. By 1903 Lufkin was the largest manufacturer of steel measuring tapes in the United States. Around 1915 the firm began importing boxwood folding rules from central Europe and made the rules itself once World War I cut off its supplies. While Lufkin had a model 651 (formerly 68) that it advertised from the early 20th century into the 1950s, model 651B only began to appear in 1916 and disappeared by 1925. Twelve of these rules sold for $2.50 in 1916.
Lufkin president Fred Buck received the patent noted on the instrument for an improvement to the joint. Thus, this rule dates between 1918 and 1925. Cooper Industries purchased the company in 1967, closing its factories but preserving Lufkin as a brand name. An earlier Lufkin rule is 1985.0817.01.
References: Lufkin Rule Company, Measuring Tapes and Rules, cat. no. 9 (Saginaw, [1916]), 77; Fred Buck, "Joint for Folding Rules" (U.S. Patent 1,286,525 issued December 3, 1918); Lufkin Rule Company, Measuring Tapes, Rules, and Machine Tools, cat. no. 11 (Saginaw, [about 1925]), 120; David N. Keller, "The Lufkin Rule Company," in A Source Book for Rule Collectors, ed. Philip E. Stanley (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2003), 81–86.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918–ca 1925
Maker
Lufkin Rule Company
ID Number
MA.335275
accession number
314637
catalog number
335275

Set of 5 Japanese Scale Rules Signed Fujishima

A rectangular paulownia wood case has a red and white sticker on the right end marked: No. 45 (/) M. Inside the case are four bamboo rulers, three that are just over 12" (about 31 cm) long and one that is 2-1/4" (15.5 cm).
Description
A rectangular paulownia wood case has a red and white sticker on the right end marked: No. 45 (/) M. Inside the case are four bamboo rulers, three that are just over 12" (about 31 cm) long and one that is 2-1/4" (15.5 cm). A fifth rule is made of a darker wood, perhaps cherry.
The first rule is marked in Japanese: Made by Fujishima. It is also marked: 3000. The scales along both edges are identical, 30 cm long, divided to twentieths of a unit, and numbered by hundreds from 0 to 2,400. The back of the rule is stamped in red: METRE. It is also marked: 1 (/) 3000.
The second rule is made from a dark wood and is marked in Japanese: Made by Fujishima. The scales are identical and labeled: 1/16. They are divided to half-units and numbered by fives from 5 to 190. Each increment of five units is 5/16" (8 mm) long.
The third rule is marked in Japanese: Made by Fujishima. It is also marked: 1800. The scales along both edges are identical, 30 cm long, divided to single units, and numbered by tens from 0 to 540. The back of the rule is stamped in red: METRE. It is also marked: 1 (/) 1800. It is also marked: 5.
The fourth rule is marked in Japanese: Made by Fujishima. It is also marked: 1600. The scales along both edges are identical, 30 cm long, divided to single units, and numbered by tens from 0 to 480. The back of the rule is stamped in red: METRE. It is also marked: 1 (/) 1600. It is also marked: 6.
The scales on the fifth and shortest rule are 2" (5 cm) long, divided to single units, and numbered by tens from 0 to 40. The rule is marked on the back: 1/800. It is also stamped in red: 3.
These rules were likely used in engineering and architectural drawing. Compare to MA.261283, MA.261284, MA.261286, and MA.261287. The rules were exhibited by the Japanese Empire Department of Education at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. They then were displayed by the Museum of the U.S. Bureau of Education until 1906 and transferred to the Smithsonian National Museum in 1910. For more information, see MA.261298 and MA.261313.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1876
maker
Fujishima
ID Number
MA.261285
catalog number
261285
accession number
51116

Casella Scale of British and Pyramid Inches

This white ceramic rule is stored in a wooden case lined with red felt, surrounded by wooden shapes to hold it in place and underneath a piece of plywood. The interior of the rule has two scales.
Description
This white ceramic rule is stored in a wooden case lined with red felt, surrounded by wooden shapes to hold it in place and underneath a piece of plywood. The interior of the rule has two scales. The first is in red ink, divided to twentieths of a British inch, and numbered by ones from 0 to 25. A small scale dividing one inch into hundredths is to the left of this scale, and an extra 1/10" is at the right of the scale. The second scale is in black ink, divided to twentieths of a "pyramid inch," and numbered by ones from 0 to 25.
The scale is marked: SCALE OF BRITISH INCHES, (/) For residual error, at Temperature 68° F., see note on case. (/) SCALE OF 25 PYRAMID INCHES, OR 1 PYRAMID CUBIT. (/) at Temp. 68° F., = one ten-millionth of the earth's semi-axis of Rotation; with a Residual error, see note on case. The upper right corner of the scale is marked in red: B. & P. SCALE, No. 2. (/) May, 1867. The lower right corner of the scale is marked in black: MADE & DIVIDED BY (/) L. CASELLA. (/) 23. HATTON GARDEN, LONDON.
Two thermometers are screwed into the case on either side of the scale. The first is divided by single degrees Fahrenheit and numbered by tens from 20 to 140. The second is divided by two degrees Fahrenheit and numbered by tens from 10 to 150. Three-fourths of its tube has been missing since it arrived at the Museum in 1987. Both thermometers are marked: J. M. BRYSON (/) OPTICIAN (/) EDINBURGH. James Mackay Bryson (1824–1894), whose firm was known for making thermometers, came from a family of Edinburgh instrument makers and scientists.
A handwritten note on Royal Observatory of Edinburgh stationery is pasted inside the lid of the case. It reads, "1872 (/) The 'British Inches' of this scale, in Red divisional (/) lines, have been found by a preliminary Microscopic comp- (/) -arison to be true, for their whole 25 inch sum of (/) length, to within half the thickness of one of the division lines, (/) at the temperature of 68* Fah. The expansion for an in- (/) -crease of 1*F. on the whole 25 inches in length, = (/) = 0.00004 of an inch, nearly. (/)The above red British Inches are those in (/) terms of which the Earth has been measured in modern (/) times. The black Inches on the lower part of (/) the scale, are the Ancient Inches of the Great (/) Pyramid; in terms of which Inches, both the chief (/) measures of that Monument, and the modern (/) measures of the Earth, come out in round and (/) even numbers of fives and tens. They are, each (/) of them 0.001 of an inch longer than the British Inch. (/) P.S. (/) Ast. R. for Scotd."
Charles Piazzi Smyth (1819–1900) was Astronomer Royal of Scotland from 1846 to 1888. He did significant scientific work, including pioneering high-altitude observing and solar astronomy, but he was also obsessed with pyramidal numerology. From January to April, 1865, he and his wife, Jessica, made careful measurements of every surface of the Great Pyramid at Giza. He concluded that the pyramid was constructed using a measurement system he called "pyramid inches," which were each one ten-millionth of the earth's semi-axis of rotation. Since the pyramid inch was so close in length to the British inch, Smyth recommended that Great Britain retain the imperial system of weights and measures rather than adopt the metric system.
To visually demonstrate the agreement between the systems of measurement, Piazzi Smyth commissioned London instrument maker Louis Pascal Casella (1812–1897) to make rules like this one when Smyth published an account of his research in 1867. Since there is a discrepancy between the date on this rule and the note in the lid, the example owned by National Museums Scotland (online ID 000-190-004-745-C, catalog number T.1962.108) may be older than this instrument. By 1876 the Science Museum in London was also exhibiting a Casella scale of British and pyramid inches, donated by Piazzi Smyth. Library staff at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., were unable to determine how this object ended up at the college. Casella did not advertise the rule in his 1871 catalog.
References: Charles Piazzi Smyth, Life and Work at the Great Pyramid, 3 vol. (Edinburgh, 1867); L. Casella, An Illustrated Catalogue of Surveying, Philosophical, Optical, Photographic, and Standard Meteorological Instruments (London, 1871); Science and Art Department of the Committee of Council on Education, Catalogue of the Special Loan Collection of Scientific Apparatus at the South Kensington Museum, 2nd ed. (London, 1876), 42; H. A. Brück and M. T. Brück, The Peripatetic Astronomer: The Life of Charles Piazzi Smyth (Bristol, Eng.: Adam Hilger, 1988), 95–134; T. N. Clarke, A. D. Morrison-Low, and A. D. C. Simpson, Brass & Glass: Scientific Instrument Making Workshops in Scotland (Edinburgh, 1989), 112–117; National Museums Scotland, Online Collections Database, http://nms.scran.ac.uk/; "People: L. Casella," Waywiser, Harvard University Department of the History of Science, http://dssmhi1.fas.harvard.edu/emuseumdev/code/eMuseum.asp?lang=EN; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867–1872
maker
Casella, Louis Paschal
ID Number
1987.0196.01
accession number
1987.0196
catalog number
1987.0196.01

Straight Edge Signed Eberhard Faber

This undivided, black hard rubber rule is beveled along both long edges. It is marked: EBERHARD FABER (/) NEW YORK. John Eberhard Faber (1822–1879) began making pencils in New York City in 1861. In 1872 his factory moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn, where it remained until 1956.
Description
This undivided, black hard rubber rule is beveled along both long edges. It is marked: EBERHARD FABER (/) NEW YORK. John Eberhard Faber (1822–1879) began making pencils in New York City in 1861. In 1872 his factory moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn, where it remained until 1956. The company also made and sold other office supplies, expanding in 1898 by forming the Eberhard Faber Rubber Company of Newark, N.J., to make erasers and rubber bands. Compare this object to MA.319738.
Reference: Donald G. Presa, "Eberhard Faber Pencil Company Historic District Designation Report," New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, 2007, http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/Eberhard_Faber.pdf.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Faber, Eberhard
ID Number
MA.327306
accession number
266152
catalog number
327306

Chicago Stamping Co. Combination Rule and Paper Cutter, Advertising The Hartford Insurance Co.

This convex orange-coated tin combination rule and paper cutter has a 9" scale divided to sixteenths of an inch along one long edge. The other long edge is shaped into a tube, which may serve as a handle while cutting or tearing paper.
Description
This convex orange-coated tin combination rule and paper cutter has a 9" scale divided to sixteenths of an inch along one long edge. The other long edge is shaped into a tube, which may serve as a handle while cutting or tearing paper. A small hole at the right end may be for hanging the rule. The rule is marked: Compliments (/) of (/) THE HARTFORD FIRE INS. Co. (/) HARTFORD, CONN. The company's logo of a stag appears between the words "HARTFORD" and "FIRE." The tube notes that the company had paid $33,000,00 for claims in New York City in 1835, Nantucket, Mass., in 1846, St. Louis, Mo., in 1849, Portland, Me., in 1866, Chicago in 1871, Boston in 1872, and St. John, New Brunswick, "and other places" in 1877. These were all historic destructive fires. The back of the rule is marked: AGENCIES IN ALL CITIES AND TOWNS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY (/) Commenced Buisness 1794 • Charter Perpetual (/) The Chicago Stamping Co. Combination Rule and Paper Cutter. Patent Sept. 8th 1885. Hartford Fire Ins. Co. Sole Owner and Manufacturer. All Infringements prosecuted.
Richard S. Thain (1845–1912) received the patent mentioned on the instrument. He fought for the Union in the Civil War, was advertising manager of a Chicago publication, Western Rural, and organized an advertising firm with George W. Sharp in 1868. He spent some time in New York City after the Chicago fire of 1871. From 1882 to 1889, he worked for a Chicago advertising agency, Lord & Thomas. Another ruler made from Thain's design is 293320.2815.
The Chicago Stamping Company was in business from at least as early as 1868 to at least as late as 1911. The firm made enameled cylindrical tin containers, such as milk and trash cans; published sheet music and stationery items; and manufactured the United States Wheel brand of bicycles. Although text on the rule says The Hartford started selling fire insurance in 1794, the history on the company's website indicates it was not incorporated until May 10, 1810. The firm adopted its stag logo in 1875. As of 2013, it was one of the biggest insurance companies worldwide.
References: Richard S. Thain, "Combination Ruler and Paper Cutter" (U.S. Patent 325,992 issued September 8, 1885); "Men of the Ninety-sixth Regiment with Millburn Connections," excerpted from Charles A. Partridge, ed., History of the Ninety-Sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Chicago, 1887), Historic Millburn Community Association, http://www.hmca-il.org/k6men.htm; "The Hartford's Historical Timeline," http://www.thehartford.com/about/.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
distributor
Hartford Fire Insurance Company
maker
Chicago Stamping Company
ID Number
MA.293320.2814
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.2814

Keuffel & Esser 1621P Architects' Triangular Scale

This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side, and the sides are faced with white celluloid. On one side, one edge has a scale divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge has scales for 3/32" and 3/16" to the foot.
Description
This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side, and the sides are faced with white celluloid. On one side, one edge has a scale divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge has scales for 3/32" and 3/16" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/32", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 124, and numbered from right to left by twos from 0 to 62. This side is marked: 1621P KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y. PARAGON.
One edge of the second side has scales for 1" and 1/2" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by ones from 0 to 10 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 20. The other edge has scales fro 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 92 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 46.
One edge of the third side has scales for 3/4" and 3/8" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/8", numbered from left to right by ones from 0 to 14 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 28. The other edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1-1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to 4 and from right to left by ones from 0 to 2. This side is marked: RHW.
A triangular green cardboard box has masking tape at both ends. A red and green paper label is marked: K + E PARAGON (/) ARCHITECTS' TRIANGULAR SCALE (/) 1621P 12 IN. (/) MADE IN U.S.A. TM'S REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.
Keuffel & Esser began to offer model 1621P between 1901 and 1909, when it cost $2.50. The firm introduced the logo shown on the box in 1943. In 1944, this instrument sold for $7.50. The company changed its model numbers in 1962. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 33rd ed. (New York, 1909), 190; Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 40th ed. (New York, 1944), 138.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943–1962
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1998.0032.04
catalog number
1998.0032.04
accession number
1998.0032

Japanese Scale Rule

This heavy brass ruler is divided to millimeters along one edge. The other edge is divided into ten units of 1-3/16" (3 cm). Each unit is thus roughly equivalent to the sun, a traditional Japanese unit of length that is 1/10 of a shaku.
Description
This heavy brass ruler is divided to millimeters along one edge. The other edge is divided into ten units of 1-3/16" (3 cm). Each unit is thus roughly equivalent to the sun, a traditional Japanese unit of length that is 1/10 of a shaku. Two of the units are subdivided into 50 parts; the other eight are subdivided into 20 parts. Neither of the scales are sequentially numbered. Instead, the units of each scale are marked with a small "0," with an additional three zeroes above the "0" at the center of the scale of equal parts.
The Japanese Empire Department of Education displayed this rule at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. It then was held by the Museum of the U.S. Bureau of Education before transfer to the Smithsonian in 1910. For more information, see MA.261298 and MA.261313.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1876
ID Number
MA.261293
accession number
51116
catalog number
261293

Patent Model for Triangular Drafting Scale Invented by Josiah Lyman

Both edges of one side of this German silver triangular rule have scales divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos from 3 [sic] to 24 and by ones from 1 to 6. This side is marked: In. 40. U.S. STD.
Description
Both edges of one side of this German silver triangular rule have scales divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos from 3 [sic] to 24 and by ones from 1 to 6. This side is marked: In. 40. U.S. STD. It is also marked: Josiah Lyman, Lenox, Mass.
Both edges of the second side have scales divided to 1/24" and numbered by ones from 1 to 12 and from 1 to 6. This side is marked: In. 24. U.S. STD. Both edges of the third side have scales divided to 1/20" and numbered by ones from 1 to 10 and from 1 to 5. This side is marked: Ft. 200. U.S. STD.
One end has a micrometer screw. According to the patent, there should be three interchangeable micrometer circles, but only one is present. The other end is supposed to have a thumb-nut, but the tube that would hold it is broken. Three large holes are in the center of each side. Three pinholes are in each end.
Among other inventions, Josiah Lyman (1811–1889) patented a protracting trigonometer (U.S. Patent 20,356 issued May 25, 1858). See MA.328738. This triangular rule was supposed to have a brass spring attachment that would hook into the pin holes at each end of the rule and then around the trigonometer, making the rule a sliding scale for the trigonometer. Lyman argued that placing a weight on the arm of wire stretching across the trigonometer would make the sliding scale mathematically reliable. He claimed that the micrometer scale, together with the protracting trigonometer, could measure off the twelve-thousandth part of a line 12 inches long.
References: Josiah Lyman, "Improvement in Drafting Scales" (U.S. Patent 38,904 issued June 16, 1863); Peggy A. Kidwell, "Josiah Lyman's Protracting Trigonometer," Rittenhouse 3 (1988): 11–14.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
maker
Lyman, Josiah
ID Number
MA.308918
accession number
89797
catalog number
308918

Gerber Variable Scale, Model TP007100B

This rectangular aluminum instrument has a scale of reciprocal inches, unevenly divided and labeled RI; a scale of equal parts, labeled I and numbered by ones from 1 to 10 and by tens from 15 to 95; and a logarithmic scale labeled L10.
Description
This rectangular aluminum instrument has a scale of reciprocal inches, unevenly divided and labeled RI; a scale of equal parts, labeled I and numbered by ones from 1 to 10 and by tens from 15 to 95; and a logarithmic scale labeled L10. An aluminum slide on top of the scales has a plastic indicator with a hairline. The slide is attached to a spring that expands and contracts within a clear plastic housing above the scales. It has 103 coils, 100 of which are calibrated. Every tenth coil is colored red, every fifth coil is blue-green, and the rest are white. A second spring is numbered by twos from 0 to 10.
Below the scales is marked: THE GERBER SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT COPMANY HARTFORD, CONN. GERBER VARIABLE SCALE ® MODEL TP007100B U.S. PAT. NO. 2843935 U.K. PAT. NO. 845215 MADE IN U.S.A. A brown leather case is lined with black velvet marked: The Gerber Scientific Instrument Co. (/) Hartford, Connecticut. A small manila envelope inside the case holds an Allen wrench. The case fastens with Velcro and slides into a white cardboard box.
The instrument assists in replotting curves (if, for example, a user wished to multiply all values plotted by a given factor) and in interpolating contour lines from observed data. It can also be used to convert between proportional scales, for instance when enlarging or reducing an engineering drawing. Heinz Joseph Gerber (1924–1996) invented the device while he was studying aeronautical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1945, a few years after escaping Nazi-controlled Austria with his mother. He and a partner established the Gerber Scientific Instrument Company in Hartford, Conn., to manufacture the Gerber Variable Scale. Gerber ultimately held about 650 U.S. and foreign patents for calculating instruments, digital drafting machines, and robotic and electronic manufacturing systems for products from electronics to textiles. The firm was renamed Gerber Scientific, Inc., in 1978.
Compare to 1994.3104.01. For an instruction manual, see 1994.0113.04.
References: Arthur Bartlett, "A Quick Spring to Success," Nation's Business (October 1949): 43–45, 62–64; Heinz Joseph Gerber, "Instrument for Measuring, Interpolating, Plotting and the Like" (U.S. Patent 2,843,935 issued July 22, 1958); "Our Founder," Gerber Scientific, http://www.gspinc.com/default.asp?contentID=192.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980
maker
Gerber Scientific Instrument Company
ID Number
1994.0113.01
accession number
1994.0113
catalog number
1994.0113.01

Keuffel & Esser 1419W Chain Scale

The front of this white and green plastic rule with beveled edges has a scale divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones from 0 to 6 along its top edge. The bottom edge has a scale for 1/4" to the foot, divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos from 0 to 24.
Description
The front of this white and green plastic rule with beveled edges has a scale divided to 1/10" and numbered by ones from 0 to 6 along its top edge. The bottom edge has a scale for 1/4" to the foot, divided to 1/40" and numbered by twos from 0 to 24. The rule is marked: K+E 1419W KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. The back has scales for 3/8" to the foot, divided to 1/50" and numbered by twos from 0 to 30, and for 5/16" to the foot, divided to 1/30" and numbered by twos from 0 to 18. A brown leather sheath holds the rule. Compare to 1981.0933.14 and 1998.0032.09.
Keuffel & Esser began offering model 1419 in plastic in 1949. At $1.80, the instrument represented a significant savings over the $4.20 price for the boxwood version of model 1419. The trade-off was that the marks were not engine-divided. The firm changed its model numbers in 1962. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 41st ed. (New York, 1949), 153, 159; Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Andrew Alpern Collection of Drawing Instruments (Columbia University, 2007), 105, http://www.columbiauniversity.org/cu/lweb/img/assets/8897/alpern.pdf; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949–1962
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1998.0032.08
catalog number
1998.0032.08
accession number
1998.0032

Halpin Coairdinator Made for Aeronautical Information Data Systems

This 7" white plastic rule has scales for statute miles and surface speed in miles per hour along both long edges, at proportions of 1:1,000,000 and 1:500,000. The interior of the rule is marked: AERONAUTICAL (/) INFORMATION (/) DATA SYSTEMS (/) HALPIN COAIRDINATOR (/) T.M. REG.
Description
This 7" white plastic rule has scales for statute miles and surface speed in miles per hour along both long edges, at proportions of 1:1,000,000 and 1:500,000. The interior of the rule is marked: AERONAUTICAL (/) INFORMATION (/) DATA SYSTEMS (/) HALPIN COAIRDINATOR (/) T.M. REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. (/) COPYRIGHT 1947 BY HALPIN COAIRDINATOR COMPANY WORLD RIGHTS RESERVED. A blue plastic propeller is riveted next to the companies' names. The rule is also marked in English and Spanish: READ SURFACE SPEED BY (/) MEASURING DISTANCE (/) COVERED IN 10 MINUTES (/) ELAPSED TIME (/) SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR SPEED CONVERSIONS.
The back of the rule gives conversion factors for statute miles, nautical miles, and kilometers. This side also has conversion scales for feet and meters; liters, U.S. gallons, and imperial gallons; and kilometers, statute miles, and nautical miles. The center of the rule is marked: FOR CONVERSIONS ABOVE 100 ADD LIKE NUMBER OF CIPHERS TO EACH SCALE.
The Halpin Coairdinator Company was founded in Florida in 1943. The firm and Aeronautical Information Data Systems jointly copyrighted a chart in 1947, but that object (38 X 27 cm) was much larger than this object. Halpin Coairdinator later copyrighted devices in Brazil as well as in the United States. The National Air & Space Museum owns a flight-route plan and a dead reckoning computer made by the company. A Thomas E. Halpin was director of training at Embry-Riddle School of Aviation in Miami, Fla., in 1941. Before 1928, he worked for Stout Aircraft and designed airplanes in Cincinnati, Ohio.
References: Library of Congress, Catalog of Copyright Entries . . . Books . . . January–June 1947, 3rd ser., vol. 1 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1947), 115; Diário Oficial da União de 17 de Maio de 1954, p. 87, http://www.jusbrasil.com.br/diarios/2544433/dou-secao-1-17-05-1954-pg-87; Library of Congress, Catalog of Copyright Entries . . . Books and Pamphlets . . . January–June 1956, 3rd ser., vol. 10 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1957), 259; National Air & Space Museum, "Manufacturer: Halpin Coairdinator Co.," Collections, http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/cons.cfm?id=4932; Polk's Greater Miami City Directory (Jacksonville, Fla.: R. L. Polk & Co., 1941), 226; "Flamingo Production," Cincinnati Aviation Society & Museum, http://www.cahslunken.org/stories/FlamingoHist.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1947
maker
Halpin Coairdinator Company
ID Number
1977.1141.46
catalog number
336444
accession number
1977.1141

Faber-Castell Map Measure Sold by U. S. Blue Co.

This metal map measure consists of a slender tubular handle attached to a dial with a wheel protruding from the bottom. The white paper dial is covered by glass and has a thin blue metal arrow attached in the center. The arrow moves as the wheel is traced along a map.
Description
This metal map measure consists of a slender tubular handle attached to a dial with a wheel protruding from the bottom. The white paper dial is covered by glass and has a thin blue metal arrow attached in the center. The arrow moves as the wheel is traced along a map. The outer ring of the dial is marked by threes from 0 to 39 for converting inches to miles or inches to verstes (a traditional Russian length measure equivalent to 3,500 feet). The inner ring is divided by units and numbered by tens from 0 to 100 for converting centimeters to kilometers.
The center of the dial is marked: Made in (/) Switzerland (/) U.S. BLUE CO. (/) CHICAGO. The metal between the dial and the wheel is marked: F C (/) DEPOSE. The Faber-Castell logo of a castle is between the letters F and C. The letter B is scratched into the back of the instrument.
The German company A. W. Faber was renamed Faber-Castell in 1905. It sometimes manufactured products in Switzerland, and "depose" suggests that the firm filed for a trademark there. U.S. Blue was presumably a blueprint company located in Chicago; it also sold slide rules from Hemmi. The Eugene Dietzgen Co. also sold this instrument, charging $2.20 in 1926. Alfred J. Betcher (1887–1971) owned this example, perhaps purchasing it when he was studying at the University of Minnesota (1906) or at West Point (1907–1911). He was commissioned as a captain, served at posts in New York, Vermont, and Kentucky, and retired in 1939 at the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In 1940 he was elected mayor of Canajoharie, N.Y.
References: Russ Rowlett, How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement, July 11, 2005, http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/index.html; Catalogue & Price List of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 12th ed. (Chicago, 1926), 171; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Faber, A. W.
ID Number
1982.0386.07
accession number
1982.0386
catalog number
1982.0386.07

Open Divided Scale

This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. The bottom edge has scales for 3/8" and 3/4" to the foot.
Description
This 6" boxwood pocket ruler has a white celluloid coating along both long edges on both sides. On one side, the top edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. The bottom edge has scales for 3/8" and 3/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to centimeters, numbered from left to right by twos from 2 to 12, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 6. The middle of this side is marked: U.S. ST'D. It is also marked: P. M. LARSEN.
The top edge of the other side has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 2 to 8, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 4. The bottom edge has scales for 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by fours from 4 to 44, and numbered from right to left by twos from 0 to 22. The middle of this side is marked: P. M. LARSEN.
Draftsmen used these scales to make construction drawings. Keuffel & Esser sold a similar scale as model 1399P from 1913 to at least 1936. The price in 1913 was $1.35. This object was probably made about the same time as 1981.0933.14, in the 1910s.
William J. Ellenberger (1908–2008) donated this object, which he presumably acquired secondhand from P. M. Larsen. Ellenberger studied electrical and mechanical engineering at The George Washington University between 1925 and 1934. He then worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company and the National Bureau of Standards. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a civilian construction management engineer for the army from 1954 to 1968, when he became a private consultant.
References: Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 34th ed. (New York, 1913), 178; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 36th ed. (New York, 1921), 123; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 212; "The GW Engineering Hall of Fame 2006 Inductees," http://www.weas.gwu.edu/ifaf/hall_of_fame_inductees_2006.php.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
ID Number
1981.0933.15
accession number
1981.0933
catalog number
1981.0933.15

Pair of Keuffel & Esser 1375P-20 Chain Scales with Drafting Machine Mounts

These beveled boxwood rules are faced with white celluloid on the sloping edges. On both rules, one edge is divided to 1/32" and numbered by ones twice. The 18-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 36 and from 0 to 18, and the 12-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 24 and from 0 to 12.
Description
These beveled boxwood rules are faced with white celluloid on the sloping edges. On both rules, one edge is divided to 1/32" and numbered by ones twice. The 18-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 36 and from 0 to 18, and the 12-3/4" rule is numbered from 0 to 24 and from 0 to 12. The other edge is divided to 1/32" and numbered by ones. The longer rule is numbered from 0 to 72, and the shorter rule is numbered from 0 to 48. As marks on the rules indicate, the first scale is "half size" and "full size," for making drawings at proportions of 1/2" and 1" to the foot. The other scale is "quarter size," for making drawings at proportions of 1/4" to the foot.
The rules are marked: PARAGON 1375P-20 K+E KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. Both ends of both rules have irregularly-shaped aluminum mounts that may be screwed to a drafting machine. A green cardboard box for the shorter rule is marked at one end: K+E PARAGON (/) DRAFT. MACH. SCALE (/) 1375P-20 12 IN. (/) MADE IN U.S.A. TRADE MARKS ®.
Keuffel & Esser was selling drafting machine scales in various configurations by 1936. The firm introduced model 1375P-20 sometime between 1943 and 1954. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).
References: Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 206–207; Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 42nd ed. (New York, 1954), 176.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1998.0032.14
catalog number
1998.0032.14
accession number
1998.0032

Open Divided Scale Advertising Dexter Brothers

This tan plastic scale rule is marked with faux wood grain and has been broken into two pieces. The top edge has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot.
Description
This tan plastic scale rule is marked with faux wood grain and has been broken into two pieces. The top edge has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by ones from 1 to 20, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 10. The bottom edge has scales for 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by twos from 1 to 92, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 20 and then by twos from 20 to 46.
The center of the rule is marked: Use Dexter Brothers' English Shingle Stains. It is also marked: Copyrighted by (/) DEXTER BROS., (/) BOSTON, MASS. According to the Boston Directory of 1869, 1880, and 1900, Dexter Brothers was founded by Charles W., Frank K., Wallace D., and George B. Dexter. The firm manufactured paints, oils, and drugs on Broad Street in Boston. It remained in business at least as late as 1919. The donor, David Shayt, was a National Museum of American History staff member.
For other open divided or chain scales, see 1981.0933.14, 1981.0933.15, 1992.0433.04, 1998.0032.08, and 1998.0032.09.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869–1919
maker
Dexter Brothers
ID Number
1983.0237.01
accession number
1983.0237
catalog number
1983.0237.01

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.