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History of Science Museum

Graphic Mirror Pattern Camera Lucida, by Alexander, Exeter, c. 1815

Inventory Number 14859


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.14859

Item type
Object
Makers
Alexander
Primary inscriptions
'ALEXR ALEXANDER OPTICIAN TO THE KING / EXETER' Parts of the apparatus are also labelled '1', '2' and '3'
Physical material
copper alloy
Glass
paint
Dimensions
Height: 252mm Width: 49mm Depth: 44mm Weight: 325g
Inventory No
14859
Accession Number
1925-16

Description

Copper alloy graphic mirror pattern camera lucida made by Alex. Alexander of Exeter it has a G clamp for table edge; mirrors in prism-shaped housing with a black painted background; three-rod extending arm. This is a modification of the Wollaston camera lucida, which was patented in 1806. It aids the unskilled in drawing, as the eye is enabled to see an image of an object at the same time as a sheet of drawing paper and the pencil. The coat of arms he displays is that of the House of Hanover from 1801 to 1837.