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Description: | Nystrom's calculator Patented March 4, 1851. Made by W.J.Young Philadelphia. No. 758
A computing instrument, comprising a circular brass plate (243mm diameter) with several scales. At the centre is a calibrated knob/dial (40mm diameter), marked 'C' in the centre and with a scale running 0,+1 to+ 9 then 1 to 6 , and 0, -1,-2,-3,-4,-6 . Beneath the knob, the base plate is inscribed, 'NYSTROM'S CALCULATOR', 'PATENTED MARCH 4. 1851', 'MADE BY W.J. YOUNG' and 'No.758'.
From the central boss, two radial arms carry scales marked 'A' and 'B' (at end of arm). A is engraved 'Points Dep cos 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,' coincident with '6,5,4,3,2,1,0', and 'sin b 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0' coincident with '9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0'. The fiducial edge can be read against the scales on the large dial. 'B' is engraved 'Points', 'Dep' and 'cos 0,1,2,3,4,5,6', coincident with '6,5,4,3,2,1,0'
and 'sin b 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9', coincident with '9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0?.
The scales on the base plate are:
1) Circles (from centre) 0 -6 anti-clockwise, divided into quarters
2) Similarly 1-8
3) Similarly 1-8, also a degree scale and curvilinear diagonal scales for fine reading.
4) Scaled 0 ? 9, zero, then 1 -10 zero again.
5) The outer scale is marked 1 ? 9, then 9 again.
The scales appear to be duplicated, corresponding to the two radial arms.
The method of use is not self-evident.
There is some surface tarnish and a paper label adhering to the rear is causing corrosion to the circular plate [Noted Feb 2012]
Ref: Deborah Jean Warner, 'WILLIAM J. YOUNG FROM CRAFT TO INDUSTRY IN A SKILLED TRADE', Pennsylvania History , Vol. 52, No. 2 (April, 1985), pp. 53-68.
Description published by Nystrom in 1854 - see object file
caption: Record Shot - Do not reproduce. | Publisher: | "http://collections.rmg.co.uk/" | Rights holder: | "Royal Museums Greenwich" | Subjects: | navigational instruments navigation computers | Source: | Royal Museums Greenwich | Identifier: | http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections... | Go to resource |
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