An opisometer, amilograph and a curvimetre are all names for map- measurers used by outdoor folk, engineers etc. to measure distances on a map; the ‘curvi’ bit implying that it doesn’t just do straight lines i.e. you can follow the line of a river with all its meanders. Much used by walkers and mountaineers to plan routes, estimate timings and to achieve bragging rights with their mates as to the huge mileage achieved! Earlier versions used an inches scale – as with this one – to synchronise with one inch to the mile maps, later versions went metric. All versions have now become, almost, obsolete with the advent of GPS technology. The one we have here in the collection is French and was kindly donated by our good friend, John Fraser.