Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.30 |
Object Name |
Theodolite |
Title |
Altazimuth Theodolite |
Artist |
Heath, Thomas |
Place of Origin |
London, England |
Date |
1700-50 |
Description |
Marked "Tho. Heath Londini Fecit." 19" telescope, mounted on 4" vertical and horizontal circles. On tripod. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961). |
Label |
Like most instruments in 18th-century America, this altazimuth theodolite was manufactured in England. Used for taking bearings in land surveys, it had an advantage over earlier theodolites, since it could measure both vertical and horizontal angles. Because measurements were taken from inscribed indices on the instrument, rather than from an error-prone magnetic needle, the theodolite was one of the more reliable surveying tools of its time. According to APS member and early American surgeon Dr. Philip Syng Physick, the family of William Penn brought this theodolite to the colonies. Physick received the instrument from his grandfather, who had been in charge of the Penn estates during the Revolution. |
Material |
Instrument: copper alloy; Tripod: wood |
Dimensions |
H-61 W-33 D-32 inches |
Dimension Details |
Including tripod |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift at the bequest of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, 1838. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century measurement surveying scientific instrument optics |