William Simms (instrument maker) facts for kids

William Simms (born December 7, 1793 – died June 21, 1860) was a very skilled British maker of scientific instruments. He created tools like telescopes and surveying equipment that helped scientists and explorers understand the world better.

William Simms' Early Life and Learning

William Simms was born in Birmingham, England, on December 7, 1793. He was the second of nine children. His father, also named William, made toys.

Soon after William was born, his family moved to London. His father helped his own father, James Simms, with a jewelry business. This business soon started making optical instruments, which are tools that use light, like telescopes. William's father did well in this new business.

In 1806, young William Simms began studying mathematics with a teacher named Mr. Hayward. After two years, in 1808, he started training with Thomas Penstone, who was part of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. However, William was more interested in making instruments. So, in the same year, he began training with his own father.

Building a Career in Instrument Making

In 1815, William Simms became a "Freeman" of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. This meant he could start his own business. He worked from his father's workshop until 1818. His older brother, James, was also becoming known for making navigation tools.

Making Instruments More Accurate

William Simms was very interested in how to divide circles very precisely. This was super important for making accurate scientific instruments. He connected with other important people in science, like Edward Troughton, who was also a famous instrument maker.

In 1825, Simms was asked to fix and re-mark an astronomical circle. This was a large, round tool used to measure the positions of stars. Simms fixed it and made it even more accurate. He even came up with a new, faster way to divide circles. Because of his skill, Edward Troughton made William Simms his business partner in 1826. When Troughton retired, Simms took over the whole business.

Supplying Tools to the World

Simms became an expert in making surveying instruments. These tools help people measure land and distances. From 1817, he supplied tools called theodolites to the Ordnance Survey, which maps Great Britain. He also supplied them to the East India Company, including those used by famous surveyor George Everest.

Simms also made larger instruments for observatories around the world. These included telescopes, mural circles (large wall-mounted telescopes), and other tools for studying space. He sent equipment to observatories in places like Kraków, Madras, Cambridge, Greenwich, and many others. By the end of his career, he had supplied most of the world's top observatories with their equipment.

Improving Measurement Tools

William Simms made great improvements to how instruments were made. His special machine, called a "self-acting circular dividing engine," could do work in hours that used to take weeks. He also helped make sure that standard measurements, like the yard and chain, were consistent for the Admiralty (the British Navy).

His younger brother, Frederick Walter Simms, wrote a book about mathematical instruments based on William's work. Frederick later became an important writer on civil engineering.

Recognitions and Legacy

William Simms was recognized for his important work. He became an Associate of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1828. He was also a member of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1831 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1852. These are very respected scientific groups.

William Simms passed away at his home in Carshalton on June 21, 1860. He was buried at West Norwood Cemetery. His family, especially his son James Simms, continued his important work of making scientific instruments.

Honours

Simms Rock in Antarctica is named after William Simms, honoring his contributions to science.

See also

• List of astronomical instrument makers