Spirograph and examples of patterns drawn using it

Made:: 1886 in Vienna

maker:: Peter Hubert Desvignes

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One of two framed sets of spirograph drawings made with an elaboarate spirograph made by P.H. Desvignes Vienna. View
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Spirograph with attachments for drawing correctly the most elaborate spiral patterns; made by P.H. Desvignes Vienna, height 14 3/4 inches, diameter of table 13 1/2 inches

Between 1845 and 1848, Desvignes, who worked in Vienna, constructed a machine he called a spirograph, similar to a geometric chuck, for preventing forgeries in banknotes. It could also be used for engraving onto copper plates by a diamond point. These drawings show some of the possibilities with his machine.

Details

Category:: Mathematics

Object Number:: 1886-27

type:: spirograph

credit:: Mr P.H. Desvignes

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