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An '''opisometer''', also called a '''curvimeter''', '''meilograph''', or '''map measurer''', is an instrument for [[measurement|measuring]] the [[length]]s of arbitrary curved lines. | |||
[[File:Kurvimeter 1 fcm.jpg|thumbnail|An opisometer]] | |||
A simple opisometer consists of a toothed wheel of known [[circumference]] on a handle. The wheel is placed in contact with the curved line to be measured and run along its length. By counting the number of teeth passing a mark on the handle while this is done, the length of the line can be ascertained: | |||
:line length = wheel circumference × teeth counted/teeth on wheel. | |||
<!--If TeX must be used, one should write \mathrm{line}\ \mathrm{length}, etc. | |||
:<math>line length = wheel diameter \times teeth counted / teeth on wheel</math> --> | |||
In more sophisticated models, sometimes called a '''chartometer''', the wheel is connected via gearing to a rotary dial from which the line length can be directly read.<ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ThXH7xmUskIC&pg=PA83&dq=opisometer&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HmnGT-WrI6f80QXE_KzTBQ&ved=0CFUQ6AEwBjgK#v=onepage&q=opisometer&f=false Gerard L'Estrange Turner, ''Scientific Instruments, 1500-1900: An Introduction'', Philip Wilson Publishers 1998, ISBN 0-85667-491-5 (p.83)] | |||
</ref> | |||
The instrument is most commonly used to measure the lengths of roads, rivers and other line features on [[map]]s. Opisometers designed for this purpose provide scales reading the measured distance in kilometers and miles. | |||
Early versions of this instrument were [[patent]]ed in 1873 by the English engineer Edward Russell Morris.<ref>[http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/24044/pages/5837/page.pdf THE LONDON GAZETTE, DECEMBER 12, 1873]</ref> The instruments he produced were initially described as a ''Patent Chartometer'' although later versions were sold under the curious name of ''Wealemefna''.<ref>[http://www.mathsinstruments.me.uk/page71.html Mathematical Instruments: Map Measurers]</ref> Writing in 1881, Morris described how he had created a wholly original name in an attempt to outwit his imitators; he also refused to disclose the origin of the word.<ref>English Mechanic and World of Science: Vol. 33, London, 1881</ref> | |||
==References== | |||
<references /> | |||
{{commonscat-inline|Opisometers}} | |||
{{wiktionary-inline}} | |||
[[Category:Dimensional instruments]] | |||
[[Category:Cartography]] | |||
[[Category:Navigational equipment]] | |||
Revision as of 07:08, 5 November 2013
An opisometer, also called a curvimeter, meilograph, or map measurer, is an instrument for measuring the lengths of arbitrary curved lines.
A simple opisometer consists of a toothed wheel of known circumference on a handle. The wheel is placed in contact with the curved line to be measured and run along its length. By counting the number of teeth passing a mark on the handle while this is done, the length of the line can be ascertained:
- line length = wheel circumference × teeth counted/teeth on wheel.
In more sophisticated models, sometimes called a chartometer, the wheel is connected via gearing to a rotary dial from which the line length can be directly read.[1]
The instrument is most commonly used to measure the lengths of roads, rivers and other line features on maps. Opisometers designed for this purpose provide scales reading the measured distance in kilometers and miles.
Early versions of this instrument were patented in 1873 by the English engineer Edward Russell Morris.[2] The instruments he produced were initially described as a Patent Chartometer although later versions were sold under the curious name of Wealemefna.[3] Writing in 1881, Morris described how he had created a wholly original name in an attempt to outwit his imitators; he also refused to disclose the origin of the word.[4]
References
- ↑ Gerard L'Estrange Turner, Scientific Instruments, 1500-1900: An Introduction, Philip Wilson Publishers 1998, ISBN 0-85667-491-5 (p.83)
- ↑ THE LONDON GAZETTE, DECEMBER 12, 1873
- ↑ Mathematical Instruments: Map Measurers
- ↑ English Mechanic and World of Science: Vol. 33, London, 1881