The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey described the gradienter as
"a compendious little instrument, exceedingly useful in reconnaissance,
especially in a mountain country." It has a graduated horizontal circle and
vertical arc both read by verniers to single minutes, and a telescope with
compass needle and level attached to its tube. "It thus combines in itself
the theodolite, vertical circle, compass, and leveling instrument. In use it is
mounted on a light tripod stand, and for transportation it packs into a small
box, which can easily be carried in one hand. It is also useful for local
surveys."
Ref: United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, Short Descriptions of
Articles forming the Coast and Geodetic Survey Exhibit at the Cotton Centennial
Exposition, New Orleans, La., 1884–85 (Washington, D.C., 1884), p. 7.
