Camera Obscura

From Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia

The camera obscura was an optical device used for drawing. Thomas Jefferson bought one in 1794 from David Rittenhouse, and another in 1805.

Primary Source References

1793 September 6. (Jefferson to David Rittenhouse). "Th:Jefferson presents his friendly respects to Mr. Rittenhouse. He has two young ladies [Maria Jefferson and Sarah Cropper] at his house whose time hangs heavily on their hands and the more so as their drawing master cannot attend them. If Mr. Rittenhouse then does not take his camera obscura with him into the country, Th:J will thank him to permit them the use of it a few days that they may take a few lessons in drawing from nature."[1]

1794 January 3. "Drew the following orders as paiment [sic] in favor of...D. Rittenhouse for odometer & Cam. obs. 39.34."[2]

1805 June 15. (William Tatham to Jefferson). "He [William Thatham] has written to Messrs. Learmonth's & Berry Merchts. in London, for a Camera Obsura for the President use, to be made as elegantly Plain as possible, by the best Workman, with spare Glasses of several focuses, Diagonal Head, etc. compleat [sic]...He cannot say what the Price will be. He will, however, look for the Bill of the one he has, by which any importer will be able to settle an appropriate price...W.T. will thank the President to spare the one he has, a day or two, as Mr.s Merry has expressed a desire to see it before she leaves Town for the Hot Season. It shall be sent back again immediately, after he has gratified the curiosity of his amiable friend."[3]

1805 August 19. (Learmonths & Berry to William Tatham). "Have shipped to Norfolk a Camera Obscura, constructed by Adams (our best Maker here) for your President."[4]

1805 November 9. (Jefferson to Hewes & Miller). "A letter from Mr. Warren Ashley of Norfolk informs me that a case sent from London to his care for me, had been forwarded to you...I presume it contains a camera obscura, as I expected one from London..."[5]

1805 November 24. "Paid Colo. Wm. Tatham for a Camera obscura 78.84 D."[6]

1808 June 4. (Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes). "In revising my philosophical apparatus I find I have some articles to spare which will be of use to Francis when he comes to that part of his education and may in the mean time amuse yourself. These are...a Camera obscura, for drawing. These instruments are perfect, and of the best kind, having been bought by myself in London, when I was there. They cost there about 140. or 150. D. and could not be bought here for less than double that sum..."[7]

1826 October 4. (Joseph Coolidge to Nicholas Philip Trist). "Cornelia will find, too, her ground pane of glass, for the camera obscura. She might indeed have procured the same at Charlottesville without delay, for tis nothing more than window glass ground; which is a simple thing and to be done by anyone."[8]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ PTJ, 27:47.
  2. ↑ MB, 2:909.
  3. ↑ Letterpress copy available at Library of Congress
  4. ↑ Letterpress copy available at Library of Congress
  5. ↑ Letterpress copy available at Library of Congress
  6. ↑ MB, 2:1168.
  7. ↑ University of Virginia
  8. ↑ Library of Congress

Further Sources

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