Ptolemy's Ptools
How to Use a Quadrant:
The quadrant
is a device for measuring the altitude of an object.
Altitude is
measured by sighting an object along the meterstick, with the
zero end touching your cheek bone (under your eye) and the
other end pointing directly at the top of the object.
Let the weight
swing freely so that the string is "pointing"
straight down.
Tilt the stick
so that the string touches the quadrant scale, then with your
finger and thumb hold the string against the scale, bring the
scale end around where you can read it.
(Use your
"BACK" button to return to your previous page)
More information on the history of the Quadrant
(last updated 8/31/98)