Erroneous diagram for Brouncker's paper on the pendulum
Date
22 January 1662
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p9
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 231mm
width (page): 203mm
width (page): 203mm
Subject
Description
This appears to be an attempt at reproducing a diagram from William Brouncker’s paper (Cl.P/1/15) proving that the curve of isochronous descent is a cycloid (proved earlier by Huygens by other means), and that the centre of curvature of every point of the cycloid (evolute) is a cycloid. This diagram contained an error in including a line (with 'x' along it) from D that intersected with fm and DRS, which is not needed for the proof.
Correct versions of the diagram can be found at RBO/1/156, RBC/1/160 and MS/776/146.
Correct versions of the diagram can be found at RBO/1/156, RBC/1/160 and MS/776/146.
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 22 January 1662, ‘The pendulum experiment was discoursed of by the lord viscount Brouncker, who brought in the account and schemes of it; and a committee was appointed for making trials of it, consisting of his lordship himself, Mr. Boyle, Sir William Petty, Dr. Wilkins, and Dr. Wren. His lordship’s paper was ordered to be registered, and a copy of it made against the Friday following, and brought to Sir Robert Moray, to be sent to Mons. Huygens’ (Birch 1:70). The entire paper is printed in Birch 1:70-74.
Related fellows
William Brouncker, 2nd Viscount Brouncker of Lyons (1620 - 1684, British) , Mathematician
Associated place