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Troughton circle in Dresden
From: Alexandre Eremenko
Date: 2005 May 23, 16:05 -0500
From: Alexandre Eremenko
Date: 2005 May 23, 16:05 -0500
Everyone knows Dresden art galery with its famous Sixtine Madonna by Rafael:-) But there is a less known place nearby: the Museum of Mathematical Instruments. They have many wonderful things including a globe made by Merkator himself, and Hershel-made telescopes. (And Pascale's own computer, and many star and Earth globes ranging from XVI to XX century, chronometers etc.) On the Cel Nav side, they have an octant in excellent condition (J. Makrow 4 Upper East Smithfield, London 1845, ebony/brass) and most interestingly, A Troughton reflecting circle No. 131. I made careful sketches of it. Hope to be able to answer any questions about it. The circle is 1.5ft diameter (445 mm), it has silver scale divided to 10' and nonius to 10". There are actually 3 arms with 3 noniuses (verniers). The rays are crossing (see our previous discussion on reflecting circles initiated by George), and there is indeed a "dead range". The device is in excellent condition, made in 1780, and even the mirrors look great:-) I spent a lot of time looking at it, and only after that went to see the Sixtine Madonna:-) Alex. P.S. Also made a careful examination of the octant. It looks like a cheap variety: there is even no index mirror adjustment. (However the horizon mirror has two skrews as on the modern sextants). A