Signedunsigned
FunctionThis is an optional weighted foot for use with a pantograph. The foot serves to fix a point on the pantograph parallelogram in place, rendering the mechanical motion transfer of the pantograph more accurate and steady.
The Pantograph is a motion transfer mechanical linkage used to make re-scaled but otherwise identical copies of two dimensional figures (including drawings, letters, and maps). Users first select the desired ratio of reproduction by adjusting the placement of the smaller brass arms on the larger ones and by adjusting the placement of the stylus and writing implement holder. Users then trace the original two-dimensional image with the brass stylus and motion will be transferred through the pivot points of the parallelogram such that the drawing implement will draw the desired re-scaled image on the surface below.
This specific pantograph and weight set was used by the Department of Geology and Geography at Harvard University, likely for cartographic purposes.
ProvenanceFrom the Deparment of Geology, Harvard University, 25 January 1966.