Transit Base
Datecirca 1767
Inventory Number0058.1
ClassificationTransit
Subject
Maker
John Bird
1709 - 1776
User
John Winthrop
1714 - 1779
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions175.3 × 53 × 52 cm (69 × 20 7/8 × 20 1/2 in.)
Material
Bibliography
DescriptionThe cradle for the telescope is attached to a vertical column of mahogany that terminates in a brass point. The column slides through holes in a tall, narrow brass frame supported on an upright mahogany plank attached to a mahogany table.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksThe upper portion of the transit was stolen from the Allston Burr exhibition area in 1979. Only the base remains.
Historical AttributesOn May 11, 1767, the Harvard Corporation voted its thanks to Thomas Hollis, Esquire, of Lincolns Inn, London for his gift of £200, to be used to enlarge the philosophical apparatus at the College. Some of this money went to purchase this transit by John Bird. Benjamin Franklin acted as Harvard's agent in London. It cost 40 guineas.
Professor John Winthrop used this transit for his observation of the Transit of Venus in 1769.
W. & L. E. Gurley
Date: ca. 1884
Accessories: solar attachment; case; level; green filter; sun shade; tripod (5163b)
Object number: 5163a
John H. Temple
Date: 1850-1870
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; leather straps; tripod (5166b)
Object number: 5166a
Barthélémy Urbain Bianchi
Date: 1840-1896
Accessories: 3 brass feet
Object number: DW0815
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: carrying case; sunshades (2); dust cap; trivet; tripod (5177b)
Object number: 5177a
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
Date: circa 1905
Accessories: wood case; leather case; right-angle prism; plumb bob; oil flask; tripod (5174b)
Object number: 5174a
W. & L. E. Gurley
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; small tool; sunshade; key; plumb bob chain; tripod (5176b)
Object number: 5176a
Frederic W. Lincoln Jr. & Company
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: carrying case; sunshade; dust cap; tripod (5164b)
Object number: 5164a
William J. Young & Sons
Date: 1870-1875
Accessories: carrying case; dust cap; sunshade; leather belt strap; tripod (5165b)
Object number: 5165a
Parent/Child
