The Divided Circle : A History of Instruments for Astronomy, Navigation and Surveying.

Bennett, J. A.:

ISBN 10: 0714880388 / ISBN 13: 9780714880389

Published by Oxford : Phaidon Christie's, 1987

About this Item

224 S : zahlr. Ill., z.T. farb., mit zahlr. teils farbigen Abbildungen / Fotos, Zustand: geringe Gebrauchs- u. Lagerspuren, sehr gutes Exemplar. A Phaidon Christie's collectors monograph. Literaturverz. S. 215 - 217 - with 260 illustrations, including 16 in colour - Astronomers, navigators and surveyors have always had one need in common-to be able to measure accurately angles between distant objects. The instruments they have used to do this, although adapted to different purposes, have all worked by means of a sight moving over a divided circle - a circle or arc carrying a scale of degrees. It is such mathematical instruments, forming a coherent group both scientifically and historically, that are the subject of this book. These instruments were among the finest of their times, setting the highest standards of precision and accuracy. Dr Bennett describes them and their historical development from Antiquity to the twentieth century, and also discusses the scientists and practitioners who designed, made and used them, and the economic and commercial, as well as the scientific, conditions that stimulated their production. A glossary of technical terms, a full bibliography and an index of leading makes are provided. The instruments themselves appeal to collectors, historians and scientists. Beautiful objects in their own right, finely made of brass, mahogany, ivory and silver, they also had important theoretical and practical functions. They include quadrants, sextants, octants, sundials, cross-staffs, ring-dials, marine and surveying compasses, theodolites, clinometers, mining dials, telemeters and many other specialized instruments. K 079 ISBN 0714880388 Sprache: Englisch Gewicht in Gramm: 1935 29 cm, gebundene Ausgabe, Hardcover mit Original-SchutzUmschlag,

Seller Inventory # 59280

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Divided Circle : A History of Instruments for Astronomy, Navigation and Surveying.
• Publisher: Oxford : Phaidon Christie's
• Publication Date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0714880388
• ISBN 13: 9780714880389
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Sehr gut
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Weight: 1935 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Astronomie / Weltraum / Universum / Raunfahrt

About this title

Synopsis

Bennett, J. A.

Reviews

This handsomely illustrated volume traces the history of mathematical instruments designed for measuring angles between objects such as quadrants, sundials, and marine compasses. The work covers astronomy, navigation, surveying, and the instrument-making trade in three periods: ancient and early modern, 18th century, and 19th century; it also has a short chapter on the 20th century. Bennett (Cambridge) places the historical development of the instruments in a scientific and economic context, including major developers and makers. He treats the workings of the instruments and their aesthetic qualities. An extensive bibliography and indexes of makers, technical terms, and a general index add to the reference value. The most comprehensive treatment of the subject available. For collectors and specialized collections in the history of science. Kendra Peterson St. Aubin, Sippican Inc. Lib., Marion, Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.