Dublin Core
Title
Transit
Subject
Canadian surveying equipment
Description
This transit was a key instrument for surveyors, as it was used for measuring horizontal angles (and later vertical angles as well). Transits were invented in 1831 in the United States and were popular for their versatility, durability, and cheap pricetag. Like most transits, this one is made of brass, with silver, glass, and liquid components.
The transit was made ca. 1861-1866 by Charles Hearn in Montreal. At one point it belonged to James Moffett (1829-1911), who lived in Wakefield, QC. Moffett was a native of Quebec but was of Irish heritage. He worked as a farmer and in the 1870s qualified as a provincial land surveyor, which is likely when he started using the transit. Despite its long history the transit is in relatively good condition, with a few evident repairs and replacement parts.
References:
1871 and 1881 Census, Library and Archives Canada, https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/Pages/census.aspx.
Canada Science and Technology Museum files
“Invention and Introduction of the Engineer’s Transit,” from The Engineering News September 15, 1875. Engineering News Record Volumes 1-2 accessible via Google Books.
“Transit.” Smithsonian National Museum of American History, https://amhistory.si.edu/surveying/type.cfm?typeid=20
The transit was made ca. 1861-1866 by Charles Hearn in Montreal. At one point it belonged to James Moffett (1829-1911), who lived in Wakefield, QC. Moffett was a native of Quebec but was of Irish heritage. He worked as a farmer and in the 1870s qualified as a provincial land surveyor, which is likely when he started using the transit. Despite its long history the transit is in relatively good condition, with a few evident repairs and replacement parts.
References:
1871 and 1881 Census, Library and Archives Canada, https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/Pages/census.aspx.
Canada Science and Technology Museum files
“Invention and Introduction of the Engineer’s Transit,” from The Engineering News September 15, 1875. Engineering News Record Volumes 1-2 accessible via Google Books.
“Transit.” Smithsonian National Museum of American History, https://amhistory.si.edu/surveying/type.cfm?typeid=20
Creator
Manufactured or distributed by Charles Hearn.
Source
Photographs by student in HIS4135
Date
Manufactured ca. 1861-1866
Identifier
Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1978.0971.001
Coverage
Quebec, Canada