John Barton (engineer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sir John Barton was an eighteenth century engineer. He created a device, which he called the "Atometer", for measuring small distances using a differential-screw technique [1], a Ruling Engine, and patented a method of creating metal ornaments engraved with parallel lines, using diffraction to create colours. [2] He served as deputy comptroller of the Royal Mint in the early part of the nineteenth century.
[edit] References
- ^ A F C Pollard (1938). "The mechanical amplification of small displacements". J. Sci. Instrum. 15.
- ^ P. Grodzinski (1947-1949). "A Ruling Engine used by Sir John Barton - and its Products". Transactions of the Newcomen Society 26.
[edit] External links
- a picture of a set of buttons engraved by John Barton with diffraction patterns, c 1825, in the collection at the London Science Museum
- Nature.com article on Barton's engravings (subscription only)
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