Plan - Transit Telescope, Troughton & Simms, 5 inch, 1861

Search the collections

Summary:: One of a set of drawings for the construction of the Melbourne Observatory at South Yarra. The plans are dated 1861 and construction of the main buildings at the Observatory was completed in 1863.

The Melbourne Observatory Collection comprises scientific instruments and other objects as well as some documents and images from the Observatory from its operations between 1863 and 1944.
Description:: Drawing on off-white paper in black ink showing the side elevation of an 1861 6 foot Transit Instrument by Troughton & Simms, London. The instrument was erected at the Williamstown Observatory in 1861 and re-erected at the Melbourne Observatory in 1863. The drawing fills the page and comprises various mechanic components. A scale is printed below. The paper is foxed, with traces of mould around the edges. Handwritten inscriptions in pencil on the reverse.

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	65.4 cm (Width), 80.6 cm (Length)

Tagged with:	astronomy, observatories, plans
Themes this item is part of:	Positional Astronomy at Melbourne Observatory, Williamstown Observatory, 1853-1863, Troughton & Simms, Instrument Makers, Melbourne Observatory Collection, Science & Measurement Collection, Weights & Measures at Melbourne Observatory, Melbourne Observatory & Standard Time in Victoria, Melbourne Observatory & Standard Time in Victoria, Astrographic Catalogue, Transits of Venus, 1874 & 1882, Buildings at Melbourne Observatory, Star Observations & Personal Equation, Meteorology at Melbourne Observatory, 1863-1908, Melbourne Observatory, 1863-1944, Geodetic Survey of Victoria, 1858-1872, Geodetic Survey of Victoria, 1858-1872
Primary Classification:	ASTRONOMY
Secondary Classification:	Research
Tertiary Classification:	plans
Inscriptions:	On reverse, handwritten in pencil; "West Transit Melb. Oby." / "5 Mich (?) Inner Circle Melbourne Observatory"
Maker:	Troughton & Simms, London, Middlesex, England, Great Britain
Place & Date Used:	Williamstown Observatory, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia, 1861
Place & Date Used:	Melbourne Observatory, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia, 1863