This paper utilizes the concept of the agency of material objects, proposed as a tenet by several historians of science in the late twentieth century. It argues that scientific instruments have agency in the field due to their value and fragility, both of which attributes served to dictate a social hierarchy of activity. Furthermore, the resulting numerical outputs served to discriminate between various groups. The principal focus is the role of instruments used by travellers sponsored by the Royal Geographical Society, London, but it also looks at the role of instruments on a larger triangulation; the project to survey the African part of the arc of the 30th meridian east of Greenwich. Seeing the instruments as material objects allows insights into the social arrangements and interactions taking place. It is argued that instruments, and the results of instrument use, entrenched existing power hierarchies, imparting greater prestige to those who were previously endowed with privilege. It is argued the instruments contributed to 'othering' both in the field and in the publications resulting from the expeditions.

Jane A. Wess

Annals of Science

ANNALS OF SCIENCE 于 1936 年推出，出版有关科学、技术和医学史的著作，涵盖从古典时代到 20 世纪后期的发展。 《华尔街日报》在其出版的作品和读者群方面都具有全球影响力。编辑特别欢迎亚洲、非洲和南美作者的投稿。每期都包含研究文章和一个综合性书评部分，包括对一组更广泛书籍的论文评论。文章以英文和法文出版，期刊欢迎就相关主题提出特刊建议。编辑和出版商致力于支持早期职业研究人员，并为当前博士生的最佳投稿或获奖者颁发年度奖近四年攻读博士学位。

The Annals of Science, launched in 1936, focuses on the history of science, technology, and medicine, covering developments from classical times to the late 20th century. The journal has significant global influence, particularly in its published works and readership. The editors especially welcome submissions from authors in Asia, Africa, and South America. Each issue includes research articles and a comprehensive review section, featuring critiques of a range of related books. Articles are published in both English and French, and the journal welcomes proposals for special issues on relevant topics. The editors and publishers are committed to supporting early-career researchers and have awarded an annual prize for the best submission from current doctoral students for nearly four years.

《Annals of Science》创刊于1936年，专注于科学、技术和医学史的研究，涵盖从古典时代到20世纪后期的发展。该期刊在全球范围内具有显著的影响力，尤其是在其出版的作品和读者群体方面。编辑特别欢迎来自亚洲、非洲和南美的作者投稿。每期包含研究文章和综合书评部分，书评涵盖一系列相关书籍的评论。文章以英文和法文出版，期刊也欢迎针对相关主题的特刊建议。编辑和出版商致力于支持早期职业研究人员，并为当前博士生的最佳投稿或获奖者颁发年度奖，已有近四年的历史。

Category	Quartile
哲学	3
哲学, 科学史与科学哲学	4

The social agency of instruments of surveying and exploration c.1830–1930

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