Equipment - Mathematical Instrument, Polar Planimeter, c1900s

Historical information

Made for Kilpatrick & Co, Melbourne and used at Ballarat School of Mines. This mathematical instrument allowed users to determine the area of a curved region tracing its boundary.
Two arms - one arm anchored at the end away from the pivot and one arm traced the drawing.
The graph produced polar co-ordinates.

Physical description

A polar planimeter, housed in a storage box with molded, velvet lined interior. Hinged lid with clasp. Black fabric outside cover.

Inscriptions & markings

Swiss made for Kilpatrik & Co. Melbourne
Serial No. 62712
Paper sticker on underside of box "Made in Switzerland"

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