Stetson line of position plotter
Datecirca 1928
Inventory Number2001-1-0024
ClassificationPlotting device
Subject
Maker
Eastern Science Supply Company
fl. 1910s - 1940s
Inventor
Harlan True Stetson
1885-1964
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions31.8 × 39.4 × 3.5 cm (12 1/2 × 15 1/2 × 1 3/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionAluminum plotting table with specialized plotting paper, one metal T-square, and one transparent celluloid panel.
The surface of the plotting table is etched with a diagonal grid. Visible through a slit near the left edge of the table is an aluminum cylinder printed with sixteen scales. The cylinder is rotated by turning a black knurled knob at the top edge of the plane table.
There are four metal clips along the top and bottom edges of the drafting table. Also visible along the top and bottom edges are metal bolts joining the surface and sides of the table.
Two metal plaques bolted to one side of the drafting table are printed with information on the plane table's manufacturer.
The plotting table opens to reveal a space for storage.
The crossbar on the T-square is painted black. There are two scales printed along its long bar. Along the top edge of the bar is a scale for "ARL," graduated into minutes. Along the bottom edge of the bar is a scale for "TIME", graduated into 2.5 minutes.
The yellowed celluloid panel is engraved with a rectangular grid.
The plotter is accompanied by several sheets of specialized plotting paper.
The surface of the plotting table is etched with a diagonal grid. Visible through a slit near the left edge of the table is an aluminum cylinder printed with sixteen scales. The cylinder is rotated by turning a black knurled knob at the top edge of the plane table.
There are four metal clips along the top and bottom edges of the drafting table. Also visible along the top and bottom edges are metal bolts joining the surface and sides of the table.
Two metal plaques bolted to one side of the drafting table are printed with information on the plane table's manufacturer.
The plotting table opens to reveal a space for storage.
The crossbar on the T-square is painted black. There are two scales printed along its long bar. Along the top edge of the bar is a scale for "ARL," graduated into minutes. Along the bottom edge of the bar is a scale for "TIME", graduated into 2.5 minutes.
The yellowed celluloid panel is engraved with a rectangular grid.
The plotter is accompanied by several sheets of specialized plotting paper.
Signedprinted on bottom plaque bolted to side of table: MADE BY / EASTERN SCIENCE / SUPPLY COMPANY / BOSTON, MASS., U.S.A.;
printed on long bar of T-square, right center: Manufactured by Eastern Science Supply Company, Boston, Mass.
Inscribedprinted on top plaque bolted to side of table: PATENT APPLIED FOR;
printed on long bar T-square, left center: STETSON LINE OF POSITION PLOTTER
Curatorial RemarksSee also two other Stetson line of position plotters, 1996-1-0054, 2001-1-0024.
FunctionFor determining location at sea.
Eastern Science Supply Company
Date: circa 1928
Accessories: four metal T-squares; four transluscent celluloid panels; instructional material, in CHSI instrument file 2001-1-0024
Object number: 1996-1-0055
Eastern Science Supply Company
Date: circa 1928
Accessories: instructional material, in CHSI instrument file 2001-1-0024
Object number: 1996-1-0054
George Grady Press
Date: after 1943
Object number: 1998-1-1689
Keuffel & Esser Company
Date: circa 1917
Accessories: rectangular black leather case
Object number: 1997-1-1631
Smiths (Calculators) Ltd.
Date: dated 1970
Accessories: following are included in instrument file:
- two copies of “Webster Astro-Computograph" handbook
- copy of article "Direct Methods of Latitude and Longitude Determination by Mini-Computer" by Crocker Wight
- "Astro-Computograph: Sight Examples- Step-by-Step Instructions" from Admiralty Compass Observatory
- copy of C.H. Cotter's Review "Mechanical and Graphical Solutions in Nautical Astronomy"
hand-drawn diagrams of instrument components
- several blank "FORM A.C.G. (A)" and "FORM A.C.G. (S)" documents, for use in Astro-Computograph calculations
Object number: 1997-1-1868
Keuffel & Esser Company
Date: patented 1933
Accessories: black leather case with flap closure
Object number: 1997-1-1925
Keuffel & Esser Company
Date: patented 1900
Accessories: brown leather case, for storage
Object number: 2003-1-0225
Keuffel & Esser Company
Date: circa 1917
Accessories: Brown leather case with flap closure, for storage.
Object number: 1989-1-0012
William R. Osgood
Date: 1900-1940
Accessories: Brown leather case with flap closure, for storage
Object number: 1997-1-1926
Ledder & Probst
Date: circa 1915
Object number: 1997-1-1633
See also/See also
