One of Thomas Jefferson's most fascinating features was his inquisitive mind. For all of his political fortunes, Jefferson still made the time for scientific investigation. Jefferson was a surveyor and a farmer who tended to more than 10,000 acres. His "Notes on the State of Virginia" was his one published writing, established him as a serious naturalist. The mockingbird was his favorite of all of the native creatures. He was largely a vegetarian; his favorite of all were peas. Jefferson also studied horticulture and the weather. He bred horses, enjoyed chess and played the violin - all in his spare time.

Particularly intriguing are the varied inventions Mr. Jefferson created over the years. It is an interesting fact to note that he founded the U.S. Patent office! This is the face of his Great Clock, which can be seen in the main hall of Monticello. Cannonballs hang on each side to weight it, and the clock can tell not only the hour but the day of the week. The face of the clock can be seen both indoors and outdoors. In order to climb up to the clock when adjustments and repairs are necessary, Jefferson devised a ladder which folded up. When the two sides of the ladder are pushed together the rungs slant sideways so that it closes up like a long pole.

Jefferson's compass is another practical idea on display in Monticello. The weather vane upon the roof of his home connected through the roof to this compass on his ceiling. As the wind blew the vane atop the roof, those inside could determine the direction of the wind.

This is a picture of the chair Mr. Jefferson actually sat in at the White House. He brought it with him to Monticello when his public service was complete. However, he devised his own revolving chair which included a leg rest and a place for writing. It became a favorite place of his for making notes and answering letters.


While we're on the subject of writing, this unusual looking machine was Jefferson's answer to making written copies. It is called the polygraph, and it has nothing to do with today's lie detector. The polygraph allowed him to sit at one station and write while the second pen moved simultaneously at the second station copying his hand's movements stroke for stroke. He was nearly two centuries ahead of our present day photocopiers!

This is a revolving bookstand which could hold a number of texts at once. It could be used for sheet music, as well, so that a quartet could sit together closely and play. It could hold up to five different texts at once.


Below is an example of a dumbwaiter at Monticello. Jefferson installed these so that he could retrieve wine from his cellars to serve his guests without having to go to the cellar himself. Servants would hoist the bottles up to him in the dining room.

INVENTOR LINKS

On Education

Mr. Jefferson's Music

The Pursuit of Happiness: A Photo Essay

Thomas Jefferson as an Inventor

The Pasta Maker

The Wheel Cipher

The Plow Mouldboard

The Polygraph

Click here for a wordfind puzzle on T.J.'s inventions

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