Description of a new perspective machine

A paper by James Watt about his machine to aid drawing in perspective.

Date: Published in 1820.
Publication: Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, Volume 2, Number 4, Plate 7; Pages 259-262.

This paper outlines James Watt's designs and modifications for a perspective machine, originally invented by a Mr Hurst of England. Watt wanted to make it more portable and easier to use. He used a double-parallel ruler and applied this to a smaller and lighter machine. The paper includes a black and white diagram outlining this.

Watt then went on to make between 50 and 80 of these drawing machines and they were used all over the world. George Adams senior in London copied and sold them too.

The paper was published after Watt's death. At the time it was published, Watt was a member of the National Institute of France and of the Batavian Society of Rotterdam.