
Claire Tole-Moir
Head of Department
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Head of Department

Specialist Consultant Collectors, Science & Marine

Senior Specialist
George Adams was appointed maker to the Prince of Wales in 1756. The perpendicular was used by gunners to find the centre line of a cannon or mortar which was then used to aim the piece by sight. By placing the instrument on the barrel and when the bubble is central, the plunger is depressed to mark the barrel. This procedure is then repeated along the barrel to produce a line of sight.
Literature:
For a similar instrument, see Morton, A. Q. & Wess, J.A. Public & Private Science, p. 401