Theodolite

Description:

This theodolite was made for the U. S. Geological Survey, soon after that agency was organized in 1879. It was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1907. The inscriptions read "No. 172 Edward Kübel, Washington, DC" and "U.S.G.S. 8 IN No. 1." The horizontal circle is silvered, graduated to 20 minutes, and read by opposite verniers and magnifiers to 20 seconds. The vertical circle is silvered, graduated to 20 minutes of arc, and read by vernier and magnifier to single minutes.

Edward Kübel (1820-1896) was born in Bavaria, moved to Washington, D.C. around 1849, and became foreman for William Würdemann. He began in business on his own in 1875, advertising that he "continues to manufacture the class of Astronomical and Geodetical Instruments formerly made by Mr. Würdemann." According to an account written in 1884, Kübel employed seven or eight skilled workmen, and his business was principally for the U. S. government.

Ref: Silvio Bedini, "Edward Kübel (1820-1896) Washington, D.C. Instrument Maker," Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences 85 (1998): 247-279.

Date Made: 1879-1896

Maker: Kübel, Edward

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: District of Columbia, Washington

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Surveying and Geodesy, Measuring & Mapping

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Publication: Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.247971Accession Number: 47736Catalog Number: 247971

Object Name: Theodolite

Measurements: overall: 14 in; 35.56 cmhorizontal circle: 9 in; 22.86 cmgraduated horizontal circle: 8 in; 20.32 cmvertical circle: 4 1/4 in; 10.795 cmtelescope: 18 in; 45.72 cmoverall: 14 1/8 in x 10 3/8 in x 19 5/8 in; 35.8775 cm x 26.3525 cm x 49.8475 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-9698-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_747753

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