linear dividing engine part
Datecirca 1900
Inventory Number1997-1-0354e
ClassificationDividing Engine
Subject
User
Bowdoin College, Department of Physics
founded after 1794
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions6.1 × 32.5 × 21.5 cm (2 3/8 × 12 13/16 × 8 7/16 in.)
Material
Bibliography
DescriptionCylindrical brass tube sitting inside a black clamp that extends out onto a metal ledge. Ledge is fastened to a metal disc that is bolted to another metal disc atop a silver cylinder. The silver cylinder has a hole in it, and is attached via a piece of black metal to a grey piece of metal with a large trapezoidal groove cut out of it. The brass cylinder sits inside a brass rectangle, which is just above the clamp. The brass rectangle has silver graduated disc on one end, with a black adjustment knob coming out of the disc. There is also an adjustment knob on the far side of the clamp.
Signedunsigned
FunctionPart of a linear dividing engine used for constructing high precision scales and marking the gradations for apparatus used in the physical sciences. For a short account of this type of apparatus, go to the following website.
See also this other website describing a circular dividing engine.
See also this other website describing a circular dividing engine.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Bowdoin College.
Historical AttributesAccording to the display card from Bowdoin College: "When this building was built in 1894, Mr. Searles also provided apparatus for the labs. At that time, much of the apparatus for experiments was made in the Departmental Shop, as our specialized apparatus is today. This engine was also used in the advanced laboratory course. The project was to make a 3 centimeter scale with a vernier. The companion circular dividing engine has been donated to the Smithsonian Institution."
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: circa 1900
Object number: 1997-1-0354c
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: circa 1900
Object number: 1997-1-0354a
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: circa 1900
Object number: 1997-1-0354d
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: wooden case
Object number: 1997-1-0354f
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: circa 1900
Object number: 1997-1-0354b
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: 1880-1890
Accessories: Check see also records: box of weights and other parts (#1998-1-0248c); extra mount for finderscope (#1998-1-0248b).
Object number: 1998-1-0248a
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: 1895-1905
Object number: HA0111
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: 1880-1890
Object number: 1998-1-0248c
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: 1890-1920
Object number: 1997-1-1810
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: 1880-1890
Object number: 1998-1-0248b
Société Genevoise pour la Construction d'Instruments de Physique et de Mécanique
Date: 1890-1920
Object number: 1997-1-1810.1
International Business Machines Corporation
Date: 1939-1944
Object number: 1997-1-0234
