December 1933–June 1934

9 Plutarch Street, Athens, 7 March 1934

Dear Mr.McFadden:

Recalling the inconvenience caused us in 1931 by the fact that we had no instrument for taking levels or making surveys, I suggested in my letter to Mr.Jayne dated 8 February that you might perhaps be able to bring a simple transit or dumpy level for our work this year. Since, however, that letter may not have reached Philadelphia before you sailed I write now to repeat and amplify the suggestion.

At Corinth I have habitually used a very good American theodolite (by Gurney, I think) with which one can do everything; but it is more elaborate than is strictly necessary and must have been pretty costly (the School had it as a gift). A considerably lighter simpler French theodolite purchased here for the excavations of the Agora has, I am told, proved wholly satisfactory. Its like, however, is not to be had now except in the new style, with the circle divided into 400 degrees, the Agora excavators having taken the last 360° piece in stock.

As these instruments came from Paris and, because of Greek customs dues, cost a good deal less there (about 1400 francs, I am told) than here (Drachmae 13000 or about $123), you might perhaps procure on there, if it would not be too much trouble -- supposing you have not already brought one from America, that is.

The French theodolite I have seen is No.35815 in the catalogue of the Societe des Lunetiers, 6, Rue Pastourelle, Paris (3e). It has verniers for accurate reading,(to minutes, I think),of both horizontal and vertical angles, and can be used as a stadiometer (at 1:100). It is desirable that the tripod, besides being heavy enough to be steady at all times, have legs of adjustable length so that the machine may be set exactly where we wish, however irregular the ground. You can hardly be expected to bring a pole, unless one is to be found at xxxx from the port of which you sail, but I ought to report the fact that the poles to be had here are absurdly costly -- the poorer heavy ones of local manufacture, $10 to $14, the better light imported varieties $19 to $23. The most convenient form of pole I have seen in these parts is $X 1.50 m long when folded, 3m when open, with a sliding extension to 4m.

Of course there is no reason that you should get a theodolite at just the address given above, but if you do I shall be grateful if you will see that the sale is credited to F.Ranios, Rue du Stade, 14, Athenes.

You may very likely prefer to find xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx the instrument, if you bring one, in the city nearest to where the sloop is laid up. I happen not to have seen an Italian theodolite here, but have no reason to suppose that they do not compete in quality and price with the French.

Judging by 1931, what we bring to Limassol in the way of instruments, cameras etc. will be entered duty free. What you bring to Greece will, I suppose, not enter at all.

I expect now very soon to have a letter telling me your program. I plan to be in Corinth March 10 to 16 and from March 20 to near the end of the month.

Sincerely yours,