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A vernier scale lets one read more precisely from an evenly divided straight or circular measurement scale. It is fitted with a sliding secondary scale that is used to indicate where the measurement lies when it is in between two of the marks on the main scale. Verniers are common on sextants used in navigation, scientific instruments and machinists' measuring tools (all sorts, but especially calipers and micrometers) and on theodolites used in surveying. When a measurement is taken by mechanical means using one of the above mentioned instruments, the measure is read off a finely marked data scale (the "fixed" scale, in the diagram). The measure taken will usually be between two of the smallest graduations on this scale. The indicating scale ("vernier" in the diagram) is used to provide an even finer additional level of precision without resorting to estimation. It was invented in its modern form in 1631 by the French mathematician Pierre Vernier (1580–1637). In some languages, this device is called a nonius. It was also commonly called a nonius in English until the end of the 18th century.[1] Nonius is the Latin name of the Portuguese astronomer and mathematician Pedro Nunes (1502–1578) who in 1542 invented a related but different system for taking fine measurements on the astrolabe that was a precursor to the vernier.[1] [2]
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