Clitograph level by Jules Lefebvre, Paris

About the Item

Clitograph level by Jules Lefebvre, Paris, France, circa 1870. Rare tripod mounted model. With original tripod and case. Steel frame marked: NIVEAU de PENTE PARLANT ou CLITOGRAPHE LEFEBVRE (35 x 26 cm.) Patented in England and France, 1862. by Jules Lefebvre & Cie, 54 Rue des Tournelles, Paris. Gold Medal awarded at the Paris Exhibition 1860. See the collection of the Science Museum, London. OBJECT NUMBER:1939-358. LEFEBVRE'S CLITOGRAPH; or, APPERATUS FOR LEVELING AND MEASURING ANGLES. The Clitograph, invented by M. Lefebvre (of Rouen), architect at Paris, 54, Rue des Tournelles, considerably shortens the time hitherto required by means of ordinary instruments for the purposes of leveling, measuring angles, &c. The uses to which the Clitograph may be put are very general, its shape only varying according as it is used in workshops for setting up machinery, for building purposes, or for surveying, leveling, &c. The Clitographs replace Spirit levels and Plummets at the same time. They indicate Angles in Decimal or Duodecimal Tangents or in Degrees and Minutes of the circumference, if required. This Clitograph consists of a parallelogram shaped frame , well adjusted on all sides; from the centre of the upper part of this frame is suspended a pendulous arm or radial Bar to which a spirit-level is attached; this arm is readily capable of adjustment and rectification. At the lower part of the frame there are one, two, or more sectors, on which there is engraved at the centre of their length a zero point, and the Angles are marked right and left thereon, either as tangents or degrees and minutes.

Dimensions:

Height: 53 in (134.62 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Brass,Fruitwood,Steel

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

Late 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1870

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. steel and brass cleaned and polished.