Theodolite

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
Description:

This theodolite, marked "R. Patten N. York," dates from the period 1813–1833, when Richard Patten was in business in New York. The horizontal circle and vertical arc are graduated every 30 minutes, and read by verniers to 2 minutes. The compass on English instruments of this sort reads clockwise; here it reads counterclockwise. The number '6' in a diamond engraved on the baseplate may be a serial number.

Ref.: D. J. Warner, "Richard Patten (1792–1865)," Rittenhouse 6 (1992): 57–63.

Maker: Patten, Richard

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, New York City

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

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Millard Guy Smallwood

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.329731Catalog Number: 329731Accession Number: 282354

Object Name: theodolite

Measurements: overall: 12 1/2 in; 31.75 cmhorizontal plate: 7 in; 17.78 cmvertical arc: 6 in; 15.24 cmneedle: 4 in; 10.16 cmtelescope: 13 1/2 in; 34.29 cmstriding level: 5 in; 12.7 cmoverall in case: 15 in x 8 7/8 in x 8 5/8 in; 38.1 cm x 22.5425 cm x 21.9075 cm

Metadata Usage: CC0

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-9699-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_747773

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.