graphometer
Date1675-1715
Inventory NumberDW0663
ClassificationGraphometer
Subject
Maker
Michael Butterfield
1635 - 1724
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions17.5 x 31 x 11 cm (6 7/8 x 12 3/16 x 4 5/16 in.)
case: 20.7 x 34 x 12.5 cm (8 1/8 x 13 3/8 x 4 15/16 in.)
case: 20.7 x 34 x 12.5 cm (8 1/8 x 13 3/8 x 4 15/16 in.)
Material
Accessoriesleather case stamped with fleur-de-lys
DescriptionThe graphometer has two fixed sights and two on a rotating alidade. There are two sets of divisions on the half-circle instrument: 0º-180º and 180º-0º (divided in 30'). The compass at the center of the instrument has two opposite sets of graduated circles and the 16 principal cardinal directions. It has a finely wrought blued-iron needle with brass caps.
The instrument has a flower-pattern decoration and fantastic monsters. A ball-and-socket joint is used to fix the instrument on a staff or a tripod when in the field. There is also a suspension ring above the center so the graphometer can be held in the vertical position to take altitude measurements.
The case is in rather poor condition. The exterior leather is decorated with stamped fleur-de-lys and stripes. The interior is made of wood covered with green cloth.
The instrument has a flower-pattern decoration and fantastic monsters. A ball-and-socket joint is used to fix the instrument on a staff or a tripod when in the field. There is also a suspension ring above the center so the graphometer can be held in the vertical position to take altitude measurements.
The case is in rather poor condition. The exterior leather is decorated with stamped fleur-de-lys and stripes. The interior is made of wood covered with green cloth.
In Collection(s)
Signedon upper frame and compass box: Butterfield AParis
Curatorial RemarksXRF analysis of the metals was done by Katherine Eremin and Sara Schechner in August 2007.
FunctionThe graphometer is another kind of surveying instrument used for measuring angles in the horizontal as well as the vertical positions. It was invented by Philippe Danfrie at the end of the sixteenth century. Similar in use to surveying quadrants.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Ernst Weil, London, January 22, 1958. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Benjamin Martin
Date: 1738-1777
Accessories: brass cover; ball-and-socket mount (DW0511c); tripod (DW0511b).
Object number: DW0511a
Michael Butterfield
Date: 1684-1687
Accessories: case
Object number: 7472
Michael Butterfield
Date: 1680-1681
Accessories: case
Object number: 7011