Planimeter, Swis, 1894.

A planimeter made by G Coradi, Zurich, Switzerland. A planimeter mechanically measures the area bound by a closed curve. Scientists and engineers used them to perform integration. They are used to measure maps, plans and the area or volume of an engineering component. In the instance of an area on a map it is achieved by fixing the anchor end of two hinged rods into the drawing board whilst the end of the other rod traces the boundary line of the area to be measured. Planimeters were one of several devices for carrying out mathematical operations that sold widely in the late 19th century.