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What Is It? |
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Drawing
Rules |
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Archimedes
(287-212 BC) defined a straight line as the shortest distance
between two given points, an observation that had been noted
by Aristotle in the previous century. The process of sketching
consistently straight lines has always plagued those who draw,
whether for personal pleasure or for profit, and it was only
natural that some form of implement to aid the process was developed.
In its simplest form without any markings or special shape,
a rule or straightedge is nothing more than a glorified stick
with a purpose. The
T-square, set square, parallel motion rule and the more modern
rolling rule are simply modifications of a system that has been
in place since someone decided to pick up a stick and use it
to draw a straight line. |
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The
drawing rules shown here could often be found in Victorian tool
chests and drawing kits, usually accompanied by a compass and
other rudimentary drawing tools. They were usually identified
only as a piece of exotic wood for unknown use. A craftsperson
or a technical draftsperson could sketch a complicated workpiece
or concept employing either of these rules, which can be used
to draw horizontal and vertical parallel lines, rudimentary
circles and arcs, and other shapes by sliding, rolling or rotating
the rule across a surface. They also served as navigational
tools used for plotting a course. |
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Other Articles from this Issue |
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