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Ellipsograph

1977/018

Ellipsograph trammel in mahogany

c.1860

SKU: 1977/018 Categories: , ,

Description

Ellipsograph trammel in mahogany and box(?) comprising a cruciform groove (broken) and a beam with 3 wedged clamped bases two for the groove girder (one replacement) and one for the drawing point (replacement).

Used for drawing ellipses on plans.

JF Heather in “Mathematical Instruments” London 1884 commented that ellipsographs do not work satisfactorily and recommended using strips of paper as a construction aid for better results.

This item was donated by Carfrae & Morrison CE, Edinburgh. Professor Paxton donated to Heriot-Watt University a collection of letter and day books relating to Carfrae and Morrison. They are indexed on University’s Heritage and Information Governance website (https://www.calmview.eu/Watt/CalmView/Default.aspx?).

Additional information

Acquisition Number

1977/018
Item Type

Short Description

Ellipsograph
Manufactured by

Date of Manufacture

c. 1860
Sub-items

None
Supporting Items

None
Makers Number

None
Marks

Unmarked but with traces of manuscript ink on labels glued to beam and groove.
Dimensions (mm)

Beam: 860 (L) x 17 (W) x 11 (H). Cruciform runners: 585 (L) x 36 (W) x 20 (H). Weight 650 g.
Donor

Date Donated

December 1977
Materials

Mahogany
Condition

Good
Display Location

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