

This plumb line is important for lining up anatomical geometries and visualizing the subject's center of balance.

The device used may be purpose-made plumb lines, or simply makeshift devices made from a piece of string and a weighted object, such as a metal washer. Students of figure drawing will also make use of a plumb line to find the vertical axis through the center of gravity of their subject and lay it down on paper as a point of reference. Determining center of gravity of an irregular shape Ī plumb bob may be in a container of water (when conditions are above freezing temperatures), molasses, very viscous oils or other liquids to dampen any swinging movement, functioning as a shock absorber. The early skyscrapers used heavy plumb bobs, hung on wire in their elevator shafts.

A variation of this tool has the plumb line hung from the top of an inverted T shape. An A-frame level with a plumb line hung from the vertex was also used to find horizontal these were used in Europe until the mid–19th century. However, if they are mounted on a suitable scale the instrument may also be used as an inclinometer to measure angles to the vertical.Īncient Egyptians used a plumb line attached to the top outer part of a tool resembling a letter E when placed against a wall, the plumb line would indicate a vertical line. A plumb bob and line alone can determine only a vertical reference.
