Dutch El

Description:

This wooden rectangular rule consists of a fluted handle with a carved head at the end and a tapered, ruled part. The rule is cracked between two nails below the handle on the side with the head's face. On the side with the back of the head, the rule is marked with straight lines that are 27.5, 38.5, 42.0, 49.7, 53.2, 56.9, 60.8, 64.5, and 68.1 cm from the base of the handle (or, 44.5, 33.5, 30.0, 22.3, 18.8, 15.1, 11.2, 7.5, and 3.9 cm from the tip of the rule). The mark at 49.7 cm is an asterisk rather than a plain line.

The Dutch el is a traditional "arm's length" measure commonly used before The Netherlands adopted the metric system in 1820. The el was 68–70 cm on average, but this example is slightly longer at 72 cm, excluding the handle. Compare to MA.318246, MA.318248, and MA.325404.

Date Made: before 1820

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: The Netherlands

Subject: Rule, MeasuringMathematics

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Science & Mathematics, Scale Rules, Measuring & Mapping

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MA.318247Accession Number: 235396Catalog Number: 318247

Object Name: scale rule

Physical Description: wood (overall material)Measurements: overall: 1.7 cm x 84 cm x 2 cm; 21/32 in x 33 1/16 in x 25/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a7-4762-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_904632

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