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MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Telescope
Description:  
Dimension:H:7.000in L:45.000in Dimensions of instrument Tripod: 66 x 35 x 35
Creator:
Dollond
Dates:
1750-99
Abstract:  

The 43" tube is fabricated of cast brass sheet. The focal length is 45" and total length of the tube equals 46 1/2" and it is mounted on a mahogany tripod for use in a standing position. The finder is a 9 3/4" telescope with crossed hairs. The control handle for horizontal adjustment is missing, as is part of that for vertical adjustment. The wooden tripod can be used as altazimuth or parallactic mounting so that the telescope might be used for terrestrial or celestial viewing. The wooden, cylindrical, telescope base on top of the tripod is divided into two halves of an angle of 25 1/2° and pivoted at the center on a tapered axis, vertical to the plane of division. When the two halves form a cylinder, the top surface is horizontal and may be used for terrestrial viewing. By turning the top half 180°, the top surface makes an angle of 51° with the horizontal (the latitude of London). These two positions are indicated on the cylindrical bodies by two lines, 180° apart. The lines of marked by two thin ivory strips inlaid in the wood. Marked, "Dollond, London." (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).
Call #:  
58.25



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Globe
Description:  
Dimension:Dia:18.000in
Creator:
Adams, George
Dates:
ca. 1766
Abstract:  

Celestial globe mounted on a four-legged wooden stand. Equator of stand notes months and corresponding astrological signs, as well as measurements affixed on paper. Brass meridian circle. Inscribed: "Britanniarium REGI Augustissimo/GEORGIO TERTIO. Astronomorum Patrono Munificentissimo, Celeberrimo Globum hunc Cælestem, Novam et Emendatiorem Cæti Imaginem, Syder apud Africæ Promontorium Aufrical nuperrime observata, Atq Stellas Catalogi Flamistediami Universas, vere exprimentem. Grati anime et pietatis Monumentum, D. D. Q. Omni cultu et officio devinctissimus G. Adams./Londinin apud G. Adams artificem Regium in vico Fleet Street."
Call #:  
01.C.86



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Globe
Description:  
Dimension:Dia:18.000in Ring-stands: 15.25" high
Creator:
Bardin, William
Dates:
1795-99
Abstract:  

Inscribed: "To the Rev. Nevil Maskelyne, D.D., F.R.S., Astronomer Royal, this new British Celestial Globe. Containing the positions of nearly 6000 Stars, Clusters, Nebulae, Planetary Nebulae, etc. correctly computed and laid down for the year 1800 from the latest observations and discoveries by Dr. Maskelyne, Dr. Hershel, the Rev. Mr. Wollaston, etc., etc. is respectfully dedicated by his most obedient hbl servents [sic] Wm. G.M. Bardin." In addition to the usual constellations, the celestial globe includes others in the extreme southern hemisphere named for the air pump, mariner's compass, chemical furnace, sculptor's apparatus, microscope, painter's easel, clock, telescope, and drawing compass. Also affixed with a paper tag, "Sold by W. & S. Jones, Holborn, London." (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).
Call #:  
58.40.01



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Globe
Description:  
Dimension:Dia:18.000in Ring-stands: 15.25" high
Creator:
Bardin, William
Dates:
1795-99
Abstract:  

Inscribed: "To the Rt. Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, Bart., President of the Royal Society, this new British terrestrial globe containing all the latest discoveries and communications from the most correct and authentic observations and surveys to the year 1799 by Capn Cook and more recent navigators. Engraved from an accurate drawing by Mr. Arrowsmith, Geographer, is respectfully dedicated by His most obedient serven Wm. H. [partially obliterated] Bardin." Also affixed with a paper tag, "Sold by W. & S. Jones, Holborn, London." (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).
Call #:  
58.40.02



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Clock
Description:  
Dimension:H:82.500in W:20.000in D:9.000in Dimensions without hood Hood: 29.25 x 23.5 x 10.25
Creator:
Duffield, Edward
Dates:
1769
Abstract:  

Mahogany case. Bell-top hood with three beet-shaped wooden finials, the base of the center one being flanked by brackets resembling thorny branches. The dial is 12 1/2" square, of silvered brass. Marked "Duffield, Philada." The movement has a time train of four arbors and is conventional. The deadbeat escapement is located between the plates. An 8-pound pendulum with a pine rod and lens-shaped bob is driven by a crutch wire. It is adjustable but not compensated. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).
Call #:  
58.62



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:
Bust
Alt. Title:  
Bust of David Rittenhouse  
Description:  
Dimension:H:19.500in W:12.500in D:8.000in
Creator:
Ceracchi, Giuseppe
Dates:
1794
Abstract:  

Marble portrait bust with bare shoulders and upper chest. The subject has wavy, cropped hair and a stern expression. "D. RITTENHOUSE" inscribed on the base. "DE FACIE PHILADELPHIAE / EX ECTIPO FLORENTIAE / FACIEBAT JOS. CERACCHI / CIDDCCLXXXXIV" incised on verso.
Call #:  
58.S.26



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Telescope
Description:  
Dimension:H:36.000in W:25.000in L:34.000in
Creator:
Rittenhouse, David
Dates:
1768-69
Abstract:  

The telescope is made of brass and consists of a 33 1/2" tube on 25" axis with a 1 3/4" aperture and a focal length of 32". Mounted on a brass stand of two rigidly connected A-frames, for use on a table. There are crossed hairs in focal plane, semi-circular scale of 9" radius attached to the bottom of the tube, and a suspended spirit level. Its construction is generally in accordance with earlier European convention. Unmarked. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).
Call #:  
58.24



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Clock
Description:  
Dimension:H:83.000in W:14.750in D:9.000in
Creator:
Rittenhouse, David
Dates:
1769
Abstract:  

Pine case without embellishment. The dial is 10 5/8" diameter, probably of cold silvered brass. Unmarked. Heavy brass plates with a pillar at each of the four corners contain the deadbeat escapement and going train of two many-toothed wheels. The motion work is between the dial and front plate. A small gear on the #2 gear arbor drives a large gear carrying the minute hand. The hour hand is driven by the latter gear through a compound idler gear and pinion. The second hand is mounted on the escape wheel arbor. The pendulum vibrates seconds and is mercury compensated. It is in two pieces connected by a yoke, and suspended by two springs. A thermometer is mounted on the back of the case. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).
Call #:  
58.23



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Sundial
Description:  
Dimension:H:4.188in W:9.125in L:9.125in
Creator:
Iles, John
Dates:
1725
Abstract:  

Brass octagonal plate with gnomon. Conventional style of horizontal pedestal dial. Marked "John Iles, Londini, 1725, Sunny Hours." Inscribed figure of Father Time.
Call #:  
58.64



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:
Painting
Alt. Title:  
Portrait of David Rittenhouse  
Description:  
Dimension:H:45.250in W:35.625in Framed
Creator:
Peale, Charles Willson
Dates:
1791
Abstract:  

Seated figure in a Chippendale-style chair is shown to below the waist, his body turned to the left. The subject's hands are crossed on the table in front of him and he holds a red pencil in his right hand, with which he gestures at notepaper with a diagram. His hair and eyes are gray and he has a rosy complexion. The subject wears a brocade banyan with rose lining, a white, buttoned waistcoat, and a white neckcloth, collar, and ruffle. The background is a shaded, greenish-gray. Unsigned and undated.
Call #:  
58.P.29



MUSEUM OBJECT

Title:  
Compass
Description:  
Box (closed): 1 x 4.1875 x 4.1875 Box (open depth): 8.375 Dimension:Dia:3.750in
Creator:
W. & S. Jones
Dates:
1759-99
Abstract:  

Mahogany block with inset compass and cover. Possibly contemporary inked inscription, "Belonging to the globes presented by W. & S. Jones, 18 April 1800." (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).
Call #:  
58.33