Type 2 Amsler Polar Planimeter
Title
Type 2 Amsler Polar Planimeter
Subject
Robert A. Neault Collection
Description
Planimeters in general are used to calculate the area enclosed inside an arbitrary shape on a plane. Polar planimeter's, 103 types, perform a mechanical integration as a stylus is traced around the perimeter of the shape in question. Because the shape does not need to be regular, these devices were often the only way to calculate the area accurately with any rapidity whatsoever.
This model is of the "Amsler" type, developed by Swiss mathematician Jacob Amsler in 1854, and is known as a Type 2 Amsler (the diagnostic feature being the arc at the elbow).
This model is of the "Amsler" type, developed by Swiss mathematician Jacob Amsler in 1854, and is known as a Type 2 Amsler (the diagnostic feature being the arc at the elbow).
Creator
Steven A. Walton
Date
1930s
Format
Physical Object
Language
English
Materials
Integrator: steel, blued steel, 'plastic' dials
Case: wood, black shagreen, purple velvet lining
Case: wood, black shagreen, purple velvet lining
Maker
Eugene Dietzgen Co., Chicago, IL and New York, NY
Inscriptions
[serial no.] 14693
[round bit] 0,01 [square] in
[dials] 0 to [10] by 1s flat circle; 0 to [10] by 0.1s on edge of drum; 0 to 10 by 0.1s vernier plate
[main arm] Eugene Dietzgen Co. | CHICAGO NEW YORK
[back of main arm] 5488 | GERMANY
[round bit] 0,01 [square] in
[dials] 0 to [10] by 1s flat circle; 0 to [10] by 0.1s on edge of drum; 0 to 10 by 0.1s vernier plate
[main arm] Eugene Dietzgen Co. | CHICAGO NEW YORK
[back of main arm] 5488 | GERMANY
History of the Object
Owned by Robert A. Neault ('38)
Bibliography
Collection
Citation
Steven A. Walton, “Type 2 Amsler Polar Planimeter,” Michigan Tech Inventory of Historic Scientific Instruments, accessed April 28, 2024, https://ihsi.omeka.net/items/show/211.