Circumferentor made by William Cary, London, 1790-1825
Circumferentor made by William Cary, London, 1790-1825
About this item
Full title
Author / Creator
Date
1790-1825
Call Numbers
R 2323
Record Identifier
Reference Code
Formats
Physical Description
Contents
1 circumferentor in a box - 18.5 cm. in diameter - wood and brass
Other Descriptions
Level of description
Fonds
Access and use
Copying Conditions
Out of copyright
Please acknowledge : Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Physical Access Conditions
Access to this pictures collection via appointment only. Please submit your request through Ask a Librarian
Subjects
More information
Scope and Contents
Contents
Circular wooden box, 18.5 cm diameter, containing a circular brass instrument with a pair of brass sights and seven brass arms meeting at a central metal ring marked in degrees; “Cary London” is engraved on two of the brass arms.
Alternative Titles
Full title
Circumferentor made by William Cary, London, 1790-1825
Authors, Artists and Contributors
Author / Creator
Notes
Attributions / Conjectures
The donor's family is descended from surveyor-general and explorer, John Oxley, best known for two expeditions into the interior of New South Wales in 1817 and 1818 and a third expedition to the Brisbane River in 1823. It is possible that this circumferentor belonged to Oxley.
Date note
No date. 1790-1825 dated from William Cary’s working life.
Conservation note
Good condition but missing its magnetic needle and other parts.
Contextual Information
Source
Presented by Mr and Mrs C.F. Cranfield, July 2002
Collection history
Possibly belonging to John Oxley from who the Cranfield family is descended.
Administrative / Biographical history
A circumferentor or surveyor’s compass is an instrument used in surveying to measure horizontal angles. It was superseded by the theodolite in the early 19th century.
William Cary (1759–1825) was an English instrument maker who set up his own business in 1790 which he pursued until his death. He produced numerous scientific instruments inclu...
Identifiers
Primary Identifiers
Call Numbers
R 2323
Record Identifier
YdmW5XN9
Permalink
https://devfeature-collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/YdmW5XN9
Other Identifiers
Reference code
9611791
How to access this item
For use in the Library
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