Common Theodolite

Common Theodolite

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Description
Thomas Wright (about 1686–1767) was a prominent London maker who had gone into business for himself in 1718, after learning the trade from John Rowley. He traded at the sign of The Orrery & Globe, was appointed Mathematical Instrument Maker to His Royal Highness, George, Prince of Wales, and produced "all sorts of Mathematical Instruments for Sea & Land According to the best & latest Improvements." The title of Wright's royal appointment changed in 1727, when George II ascended to the throne. Wright retired from business in 1748. This elegant instrument has two open sights attached to the circle, and two on the alidade. The circle is graduated to degrees, and read by vernier to 5 minutes. It is signed "Made by Tho. Wright Instrumt Maker to Ye KING."
Ref: Gloria Clifton, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550–1851 (London, 1995), p. 306.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
circumferentor
date made
1727-1748
maker
Wright, Thomas
place made
United Kingdom: England, London
Measurements
base plate: 12 in; 30.48 cm
needle: 4 1/2 in; 11.43 cm
overall; theodolite: 7 in x 12 in; 17.78 cm x 30.48 cm
overall; attachment: 5 7/16 in x 2 1/4 in x 1 1/2 in; 13.81125 cm x 5.715 cm x 3.81 cm
ID Number
PH.328867
catalog number
328867
accession number
278000
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Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Surveying and Geodesy
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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