Catalog Archive
Auction 119, Lot 864

"[Lot of 2 - Scientific Instruments]",

Subject: Astronomy

Period: 1755-1819 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
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Interesting lot of two early depictions of scientific instruments.

1) Astronomical Instruments Plate XII. This plate features Nairne's portable (or universal) equatorial telescope. This would have been an exceedingly expensive instrument, most likely purchased for status rather than practical use. Depicted with the telescope is Dollond's object-glass micrometer, which was used to measure angular distances between objects such as stars. It was placed in front of the telescope. This style was replaced by micrometers at the eyepiece end of the telescope. A very historical plate drawn by J. Farey, engraved by Lowry and published by Longman, Hurst, Orme & Brown. Dated 1819. (7 x 9.5")
2) Mr. Mungo Murray's Armillary Trigonometer was published in Gentlemen's Magazine in 1755. This engraving shows an ingenious device consisting of five semicircles; meridian, vertical circle, horizon, hour circle, and equator. It was used for resolving many problems in astronomy and spherical trigonometry. (4.5 x 7.4")

References:

Condition: A

Estimate: $150 - $200

Sold for: $100

Closed on 5/9/2007

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