Folding ruler and case

sundial compass

Traveling sundial and compass

Mechnical tally counter

Portable Equatorial

Indo-Persian Planispheric Astrolabe

Heliostat

Sundial compass

Patent Model for Estimator Slide Rule Invented by Fredric Maurice Stapff

Computer, Dead Reckoning, Sally Ride

Force Measuring Unit, Skylab

Hoekmeter

Patent Model for Hosley Ship's Model Measurer, 1851

Patent Model for Combination Rule, Protractor, and Calculating Device by Nels Ockerlund

Persian Planispheric Astrolabe

Hartman's Planispheric Astrolabe

French Planispheric Astrolabe

English Planispheric Astrolabe

Italian Planispheric Astrolabe

Planispheric Astrolabe Engraved with Arabic Script

Planispheric Astrolabe from Muslim Spain

measuring device

Log and Rotor, Patent Model

Taffrail Log Recorder, Patent Model

Krausch Engine Indicator Patent Model

G. H. Crosby Indicator, Patent Model

Sentinel Scale

Ruler

Hem Marker

Sliding caliper used by Dr. Montague Cobb

Protractor

Protractor, Model 3-B, United States Army Air Force

Decimal Scale

Cubit measuring rod

Fragment of a Cubit Measuring Rod

Bore Measuring Rod

Meetlat uit het wrak van de Oost-Indiëvaarder Hollandia

Artificial Horizon

Salinometer

Carpenter's Combination Tool, Patent Model

Tool Gauge

Flow Regulator, Liquid Oxygen, Rocket Engine, R.H. Goddard, 1926

Vacuum Gauge

Hair Hygrometer

Barometer

Diagonal barometer and thermometer

Wheel barometer

Pillar barometer

Torricellian barometer

<p>Instruments for measurements of all kinds have been meticulously crafted objects throughout the ages. From astrolabes dating back to the 15th century used for astronomical calculations, to 18th century barometers for gauging air pressure, to 20<sup>th</sup> century calipers and protractors for engineering problem solving, tools reveal systems of thought distinct to their era. For instance, the Persian Planispheric Astrolabe from the 1610s featured below includes on its front a star map of the northern sky. If the user knew their latitude, they could use aspects of this tool to determine the time of night just from the height of the stars. The astrolabes circles track the zodiac and the annual movement of the sun. Delicate engravings often record the arc of the horizon and scales of latitude. The carvings in these astrolabes offer a window into the users understanding of the entire universe and planetary relations. Similarly, the precision and elegance of a multi-faceted tool like the Combination Rule by Nel Ockland below harkens to a later era in the nineteenth century, but also offers many functions for how its user might study and quantify relationships in the physical world around them. Some tools were for simple measurements, like a folding ruler and a hem marker. Simple or complex, each of these measuring tools were carefully designed objects that also aesthetically symbolize the path toward understanding the world within particular worldviews. </p>

Tools for Measuring the Universe

Tools for Measuring the Universe

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