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History of Science Museum

Transit Instrument and case, by Jesse Ramsden, London, Late 18th Century

Inventory Number 12666


Subject
Telescopes
Item type
Object
Primary inscriptions
"Ramsden London"
Physical material
Brass
glass
Object type
Telescope
Dimensions
Height: 150mm Width: 875mm Depth: 660mm
Inventory No
12666
Accession Number
1933-32

Description

Transit telescope, object glass with pivoted cover, screw-fit diagonal eyepiece, opposed-cone axis, one side having an index arm with vernier scale. Near the eyepiece the telescope body is pierced diagonally by an interrupted tapering tube with lenses, possibly for illuminating the cross-wires. Openwork semicircle with four fixing holes and scale [57] to 0 (off centre) to [140], divided to 10, subdivided to 5, to 1 and to 20 minutes, numbered by 10 degrees. Hanging level has adjustable longitudinal level with two sliding markers and short transverse leval. Detached small counterweight and bone (?) reflector on brass mount for cross-wire illumination. Large rectangular shaped wooden case for transit instrument, with metal hinges and hooks. Interior as wooden divisions, some lined with baize?