The Thingumajig story


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"I don’t know, boy. It's the Thingumajig, now don’t disturb me again."

The actual device is an optical square which is a hand instrument used by surveyors to lay off right angles that are multiples of 90 or 45 degrees. They normally comprise two optical glass penta prisms in a sturdy housing and are used for placing points on a line, setting curves, or determining horizontal plans.

When Loughborough Technical College - which pre-dates the University - was initially formed, it focussed heavily on engineering and, in particular, civil engineering. In fact, as part of their studies, many students would have this device dating back as far as the early 1920's to help agree levels to allow for construction.

William Ford Stanley was possibly the leading maker of drawing instruments in Britain in the late nineteenth century, as well as being an important maker of surveying instruments. However, he was more than just a manufacturer; he was a prolific inventor as well.

It is believed the "Thingumajig" was purchased by Loughborough University in the 1920’s and its incorrect name derives from a rather impatient Professor. A young student approached the Professor in question and dared to disturb him to ask the name of the device. A sharp reply was received by the student!

"I don’t know, boy. It's the Thingumajig, now don’t disturb me again."

The dutiful student did exactly as instructed, and thus folklore was born. Following generations of Loughborough University engineers all fondly referred to this optical square as the Thingumajig.