Ellipsograph, in wooden box (see stroke/part records)

Ellipsograph, curve drawing instrument. Top 3/4 view Ellipsograph, curve drawing instrument. Top 3/4 view

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Ellipsograph, curve drawing instrument. Top 3/4 view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ellipsograph, curve drawing instrument. Top 3/4 view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ellipsograph, in wooden box (see stroke/part records), unsigned, United Kingdom, 1880-1920

As circles become ellipses when viewed obliquely, the ellipse is an important shape in perspective drawing. The Society of Arts stimulated new designs of ellipsographs in the early 19th century by awarding medals for their invention. This is a simple and elegant machine. Altering the lower setting changes the size of the figure; altering the upper setting changes the eccentricity. The ellipse is then drawn by turning the handle.

Details

Category:
Mathematics
Object Number:
1945-2
Materials:
see stroke records
Measurements:
see part records:
type:
ellipsograph and drawing curve instrument
credit:
Latham, H.J.

Parts