Graphometer or semicircle 1685 - 1715

This graphometer, or semicircle, was crafted by Michael Butterfield, a prominent English instrument maker working in 17th and 18th century Paris. These instruments reflect a time of exploration and colonialism, embodying both scientific advancement and the drive to map, measure, and claim new territories. Butterfield, as an Englishman in Paris, navigated a complex identity, bridging cultural and national contexts. The graphometer itself, with its precise engravings and decorative flourishes, speaks to a society valuing both scientific accuracy and aesthetic refinement. Note the serpentine figures supporting the arc: in many cultures, the serpent is a symbol of knowledge. Who has access to this knowledge? And to what end is it employed? The emotional resonance of this instrument lies in its connection to human ambition and the desire to understand our place in the world. The graphometer is more than a tool; it is an artifact of cultural exchange, scientific progress, and the complex power dynamics of its time.