parallel rule
Date: circa 1855
Inventory Number: 5459a
Classification: Parallel rule
Subject:
Maker: American ?
User: Andrew Nichols (1837 - 1921)
Cultural Region:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
0.8 × 5.7 × 61.3 cm (5/16 × 2 1/4 × 24 1/8 in.)
Description:
The parallel rule (or parallel ruler) consists of two equally-sized ebony rulers with beveled edges connected by three, ornamental brass beams. The distance between the rulers can be expanded up to the length of the connectors while the rulers remain parallel.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedroughly scratched on one ruler: AN
FunctionParallel rulers facilitate the drawing of parallel lines of variable distances apart. Invented by Mordente in 1584, they became popular for navigation in the 18th century.
Historical AttributesUsed by Andrew Nichols (1837-1921), civil engineer in Danvers, Massachusetts. Nichols was a descendant of Harvard President Edward Holyoke.
ProvenanceAndrew Nichols (1837-1921), Danvers, Massachusetts, a descendent of Edward Holyoke; passed down through the family to Andrew Nathan Nichols (1890- ), an engineer in Danvers, MA; purchased by David P. Wheatland.
