In 1782, Henry Sidgier invented the pantograph.
The pantograph is a mechanical device used for copying or scaling drawings and illustrations. It consists of four arms connected by joints, with one end holding a stylus or pen and the other end holding a pointer. By tracing the original drawing with the pointer, the pantograph can reproduce a larger or smaller version of the image with great accuracy.
The pantograph was a revolutionary invention in the field of drafting and design, as it allowed for precise duplication of intricate designs without the need for manual tracing or measuring. It quickly became a staple tool for artists, architects, and engineers, enabling them to create multiple copies of their work with ease.
Today, the pantograph has been largely replaced by digital technologies such as scanners and printers. However, its legacy lives on in the form of modern-day CAD (computer-aided design) software, which still utilizes the same principles of scaling and copying that were first introduced by Henry Sidgier over two centuries ago.