Images

This is one of many objects used by field scientists in the care of their animals. This type of halter was used to provide an easy way to hold on to animals that might otherwise become unruly or wander away.
Object ID: USGS-000076

This is one of many objects used by scientists in the care of their animals. This hobble, consisting of two leather straps connected with a chain, was placed around the feet of an animal to keep it from straying far.
Object ID: USGS-000084

This is a replica of a watercolor done by James Hutton when he was doing his field work in Scotland. It is titled, Frederick Street, Edinburgh.
Object ID: USGS-575011

The soles of made of heavy-duty rubber with metal studs.
Object ID: USGS-000212

This is a telescopic alidade in which a pendulum device, or compensator replaces the conventional bubble for establishing a horizontal reference line from which vertical angles may be measured. Alidades were the primary mapping instrument in the U.S. from about 1865 to the 1980s, when they were replaced by the total station.

This Rembrandt Portrait Studio Camera uses sheet film negatives. AGFA was the abbreviation for Actien-Gesellschaft für Anilin-Fabrikation, given in 1873 to a company that had been founded in Berlin in 1867.
Object ID: USGS-000322

The rectangular base (blade) features two different types of spirit levels and a trough compass. Manufactured by W. & L.E. Gurley, Troy, New York.
Object ID: USGS-000328

Model #6367, believed to be manufactured December 15, 1898 by the Weston Electrical Instrument Company, Newark, New Jersey. Edward Weston introduced this type of meter in 1889 and was a serious competitor of Thomas Edison in the development of electricity.

Prism level manufactured by C.L. Berger & Sons, serial# 16898. The company was founded by Christian Louis Berger (1842-1922) who was born at Stuttgart, Germany and moved to Boston in 1866. In 1871 he joined with George Louis Buff, and began trading as Buff & Berger.

Also known as a Forrester's Compass or Miner's Compass, a dip (or dipping) needle is an instrument for measuring the intensity of the earth's magnetic field. It is used to locate buried or hidden metal. Manufactured by W. & L.E. Gurley, Troy, New York.
Object ID: USGS-000345

Distilling Apparatus or Still. The prominent feature of this antique lab equipment is the spherical copper globe. Object ID: USGS-000240

This is a pack saddle used by Arnold Hague in the late 1800s. The wooden saddle has leather straps and a cinch used for the animal's comfort when carrying especially large loads. Pack saddles could be used to carry panniers or other large objects.
Object ID: USGS-000014

This is a Coleman lantern used by field scientists at campsites. This particular lantern has a black leather case with a spring inside the lid to stabilize the lantern during travel.
Object ID: USGS-000038

Objects like this canteen and canvas case tell about the daily activities of scientists in the field. Life centered around the campsite and is extremely different than the experiences of today's scientists.
Object ID: USGS-000065

This alidade consists of straightedges with a rigidly-mounted telescope that can be rotated through the vertical angle ±30. The telescope is set on a high standard or post (4 inches in height) to raise it above the table. The telescope for the high standard is 16 power, inverting type with internal focusing.

Manufactured by W. & L.E. Gurley, Troy, New York. The micrometer attachment us a modification of the tangent screw attached to the horizontal axis of the telescope and used for measuring vertical angles in terms of their tangents. Relatively few of these types of alidades are listed in early 1900s property records of instruments used by the U.S.

Stereoscopy, stereoscopic imaging or 3-D (three-dimensional) imaging is any technique capable of producing three-dimensional visual information or creating the illusion of depth in an image. This apparatus was manufactured by Oculus.
Object ID: USGS-000192

This device records atmospheric pressure and uses twelve stacked aneroid barometer cells in its mechanism to move a pen upon paper, both of which are attached to a drum moved by clockwork. The apparatus is enclosed in a wooden cabinet with set-in glass viewing pane.
Object ID: USGS-000242

Object has its original Case. A graduated circular protractor with pivoting arm, it is used for measuring or marking off angles. This instrument was manufactured by Bowen & Company and was first used by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers before being transferred to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Object ID: USGS-000252

Original Box & Booklets. Marketed as being made of Ivorite, this slide rule was manufactured by Keuffel & Esser Company, New York & New Jersey in the 1960s.

An early optoelectronic instrument manufactured by Ernst Leitz G.m.b.H., Wetzlar, Germany, serial #25748. The instrument consists of a weighted stand with optics device with attached power cord, transformer box ("Regel-Transformator / Nur für Wechselstrom / 120/220 Volt - 50 HZ / Typ REDYX Nr. 25748 / Leitz-Speziallampe 6V. 5Amp. / max.