Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Prismatic Astrolabe
Prismatic Astrolabe

Prismatic Astrolabe

Inventory Number1997-1-1852
ClassificationPrismatic astrolabe
Subject
    Maker Société d'Optique et de Mécanique de Haute Précision c. 1858 - 1964
    Place of Origin
      DimensionsOverall: 26 x 31 x 71 cm, 136.7 lb. (10 1/4 x 12 3/16 x 27 15/16 in., 62 kg)
      Overall - Storage: 26 x 31 x 71 cm (10 1/4 x 12 3/16 x 27 15/16 in.)
      AccessoriesXeroxed Instruction Manual/ Keys
      DescriptionAn instrument that determines the exact astronomical position of stars at a designated time, using a pan of mercury to form an artificial horizon and a prism positioned in front of a horizontal telescope.
      SignedSociete D'Optique et de Mechanique
      Curatorial RemarksFrom Harvard Agassiz Station- 5/20/69
      Prismatic Astrolabe
      Prismatic Astrolabe
      Société d'Optique et de Mécanique de Haute Précision
      Accessories: Xeroxed Astrolabe instructions, several accessories
      Object number: 1997-1-1851
      Prismatic Astrolabe, No 53
      Prismatic Astrolabe, No 53
      Société d'Optique et de Mécanique de Haute Précision
      Date: circa 1940
      Accessories: 1 vile for mercury, artificial horizon(stored in mercury cabinet), 3 RAY-O-VAC size C batteries & 1 EVERYREADY No 703 3 Cell battery (removed; documented as 2007-1-0548 and 2007-1-0173; and destroyed), accessories case (test tubes, brush, small light bulb, spare eye piece), photocopied manual and forms in envelope (in instrument file), wood case.
      Object number: 5271
      Prismatic Astrolabe
      Prismatic Astrolabe
      Société d'Optique et de Mécanique de Haute Précision
      Date: circa 1920
      Accessories: 2 metal vials of mercury; artificial horizon (stored in mercury cabinet); copy of intructions in English and French (in manila folder addressed to "Mr. E. Gay, Allison Burr Hall, Harvard University," and stamped CONFIDENTIAL); bound book of star positions(in instrument file)
      Object number: 5270a
      tripod for prismatic astrolabe, No. 19
      tripod for prismatic astrolabe, No. 19
      Société d'Optique et de Mécanique de Haute Précision
      Date: 1900-1950
      Accessories: carrying bag
      Object number: 5270b
      tripod for prismatic astrolabe, no. 54
      tripod for prismatic astrolabe, no. 54
      Société d'Optique et de Mécanique de Haute Précision
      Date: 1900-1950
      Accessories: carrying bag
      Object number: 1996-1-0108
      tripod for prismatic astrolabe, no. 55
      tripod for prismatic astrolabe, no. 55
      Société d'Optique et de Mécanique de Haute Précision
      Date: 1900-1950
      Accessories: carrying bag
      Object number: 2005-1-0004
      linear dividing engine part
      linear dividing engine part
      Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
      Date: circa 1900
      Accessories: wooden case
      Object number: 1997-1-0354f
      linear dividing engine part
      linear dividing engine part
      Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
      Date: circa 1900
      Object number: 1997-1-0354b
      linear dividing engine part
      linear dividing engine part
      Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
      Date: circa 1900
      Object number: 1997-1-0354c
      linear dividing engine part
      linear dividing engine part
      Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
      Date: circa 1900
      Object number: 1997-1-0354e
      linear dividing engine part
      linear dividing engine part
      Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
      Date: circa 1900
      Object number: 1997-1-0354d
      linear dividing engine part
      linear dividing engine part
      Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
      Date: circa 1900
      Object number: 1997-1-0354a