Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.32 |
Object Name |
Compass |
Title |
Circumferentor, or Surveyor's Compass |
Artist |
Rittenhouse, Benjamin |
Artist 2 |
Potts, William Lukens |
Date |
1796-98 |
Description |
Marked "Potts and Rittenhouse." 6" compass set in 13 3/4" sighting arm with sights 6 1/4" high. On walnut tripod. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961). |
Label |
Most surveyors in colonial-era America used an instrument such as this circumferentor, or surveyor's compass. Though the circumferentor was not as accurate as the more complex theodolite, it was less expensive, more rugged, and easier to use in the wilderness. William Lukens Potts and Benjamin Rittenhouse (David Rittenhouse's younger brother, who was also a skilled instrument maker) built this compass. |
Dimensions |
H-8.188 L-13.875 Dia-6.125 inches |
Dimension Details |
Dimensions of instrument Tripod: 55 x 24 x 24 Jacob Staff Adapter: 6" (length) |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Mrs. Thomas S. Gates, ca. 1950. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century measurement surveying scientific instrument navigation |