3-inch pocket terrestrial globe in case lined with celestial hemispheres
Date: circa 1760
Inventory Number: 1998-1-1416
Classification: Globe
Subject:
Maker: James Ferguson (1710 - 1776)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
8.3 x 8.2 x 8.2 cm (3 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 in.)
globe diameter: 7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Accessories: case
Bibliography:
Wheelwright of the Heavens: The Life and Works of James Ferguson, FRS
DescriptionThis 3-inch pocket terrestrial globe has twelve paper gores glued to a sphere of papier mache covered with plaster. The gores are engraved, hand-colored, and varnished. There is a pivot hole at both poles.
The cartography is labeled in English. Latitudes are marked every 10° and circles of longitude every 10°. The meridian is located at 140°E and is divided every 1°. The equator is divided every 1° from 0-180-0 degrees. The ecliptic is also divided every 1°. Also labeled are the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, Antarctic Cirlce, and the Antipodes of London. The track of Anson is recorded and labeled, "Ansons going out" and "Ansons return."
The spherical case is made of wood and is covered by sharkskin. It is lined with a map of the celestial sphere divided equally into two hemispheres. The upper and lower halves of the case are held with a brass hinge and kept closed by two brass latch hooks. The case is cracked.
The celestial globe lining is engraved, hand-colored, and unvarnished. Each hemisphere is divided into 12 gores that meet at the celestial poles. The gore edges serve as the demarkations of RA every 30°. The celestial equator is divided every 1°. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circles, and Poles are marked. Overlaid on this equatorial projection is another in ecliptic coordinates. It shows the ecliptic poles. The ecliptic is divided every 1°. Circles of celestial longitude are marked every 30°. The colures are indicated.
The constellations are those typical of Ferguson globes.
The cartography is labeled in English. Latitudes are marked every 10° and circles of longitude every 10°. The meridian is located at 140°E and is divided every 1°. The equator is divided every 1° from 0-180-0 degrees. The ecliptic is also divided every 1°. Also labeled are the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, Antarctic Cirlce, and the Antipodes of London. The track of Anson is recorded and labeled, "Ansons going out" and "Ansons return."
The spherical case is made of wood and is covered by sharkskin. It is lined with a map of the celestial sphere divided equally into two hemispheres. The upper and lower halves of the case are held with a brass hinge and kept closed by two brass latch hooks. The case is cracked.
The celestial globe lining is engraved, hand-colored, and unvarnished. Each hemisphere is divided into 12 gores that meet at the celestial poles. The gore edges serve as the demarkations of RA every 30°. The celestial equator is divided every 1°. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circles, and Poles are marked. Overlaid on this equatorial projection is another in ecliptic coordinates. It shows the ecliptic poles. The ecliptic is divided every 1°. Circles of celestial longitude are marked every 30°. The colures are indicated.
The constellations are those typical of Ferguson globes.
In Collection(s)
Signedcartouche: A New / GLOBE of the / Earth / by James Ferguson
below cartouche: J. Mynde Sc.
below cartouche: J. Mynde Sc.
FunctionPocket globes were a convenient aide memoire for school boys and others wanting a portable map of the heavens and earth. The inclusion of the tracks of explorers enabled the user to see their routes and celebrate their accomplishments. The explorers shown and cartography of the celestial and terrestrial spheres were typically influenced by political interests.
Published ReferencesJohn Millburn, Wheelwright of the Heavens: The Life and Works of James Ferguson FRS (London: Vade Mecum Press, 1988), appendix IV.