Object Details
- Butterfield, Michael
- Description
- This brass instrument has rectangular arms hinged at one end. The hinge is decorated with a flower on both sides. One side has double scales of chords, running from 10 to 140; of solids, running from 10 to 60; and for the specific weights of four metals, marked with their symbols. The outer edge of one arm has a scale that runs from 4 to 24 and is labeled poids des boulets. The sector is marked: Butterfield (/) AParis.
- The other side has a double scale of equal parts that runs from 10 to 200; an unlabeled double scale that runs from 10 to 60 and is presumably for making architectural drawings; and a double scale for inscribed regular polygons, from 12 sides to three sides. The outer edge of one arm has a scale for Calibre des pices [sic] that runs from 4 to 24. Compare to MA.321676 and MA.321677.
- Michael Butterfield (1635–1724) was an English instrument maker who worked in France from around 1677 until his death. He was best known for his distinctive sundials.
- References: Maya Hambly, Drawing Instruments, 1580–1980 (London: Sotheby's Publications, 1988), 24, 134–135; Harriet Wynter and Anthony Turner, Scientific Instruments (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1975), 113.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Albert Haertlein
- 1677-1724
- ID Number
- 1985.0580.04
- catalog number
- 333929
- accession number
- 1985.0580
- Object Name
- sector
- Physical Description
- brass (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: .4 cm x 17.2 cm x 3 cm; 5/32 in x 6 25/32 in x 1 3/16 in
- place made
- France: Île-de-France, Paris
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Mathematics
- Sectors
- Science & Mathematics
- National Museum of American History
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Sectors
- Rule, Calculating
- Record ID
- nmah_1213932
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-948f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
