Rule

Rule

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description
This wooden rectangular rule consists of an inch scale marked from zero to 6 and divided by tenths, a scale marked from zero to 50 and divided into units (10 units is approximately 3 cm), and diagonal scales for tenths and eighths. On the reverse side of the rule, there are scales of equal parts dividing the inch into 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40. This side also contains a scale of chords. One edge of the rule is scalloped. There is no maker's mark, but the rule probably dates from the late 1800s or early 1900s.
The donor operated his family's building company, where he displayed his collection of 1200 hand tools.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Rule
scale rule
Date made
ca 1900
Measurements
overall:.1 cm x 15.4 cm x 3.4 cm; 1/32 in x 6 1/16 in x 1 11/32 in
ID Number
1977.1101.018
catalog number
1977.1101.018
accession number
1977.1101
Credit Line
The John R. Gerwig, Jr., Collection
subject
Mathematics
Drafting, Engineering
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Scale Rules
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

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.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.