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William Cary

1759 – 1825

British instrument maker

Instrument makerCartographer
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About William Cary

Lived 1759 – 1825 (aged 65–66). William Cary was a British and English instrument maker and cartographer.

William Cary (1759–16 November 1825) was an English scientific-instrument maker. Trained under Jesse Ramsden, he produced numerous scientific instruments including mechanical calculators, measuring instruments, telescopes, microscopes, navigation and survey equipment.

William Cary was born to George and Mary Cary. He had three brothers, the eldest George (ca. 1753–1830) was a haberdasher while the second brother John, was a mapmaker who also worked with William and the last, Francis (ca. 1756–1836) was an engraver. Cary learnt the skills for producing instruments as an apprentice of Jesse Ramsden (1735–1800).

The instruments made by William Cary were used around the world including Russia and India. He also made instruments for the English chemist William Hyde Wollaston. After his death in 1825, the firm was taken over by Charles Gould who may have trained briefly under William Cary.

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Important facts

Born
1759
Birth century
Occupation
Instrument maker, cartographer

People in William Cary's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Cary's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Cary?

British instrument maker (1759–1825)

When was William Cary born?

William Cary was born in 1759.

When did William Cary die?

William Cary died on 16 November 1825.

What was William Cary's occupation?

William Cary was an instrument maker and cartographer.

What nationality was William Cary?

William Cary was British and English.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Cary

· Wikidata: Q18390172

· DBpedia: William Cary (instrument maker)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Cary. https://biography.guide/william-cary/

MLA: "William Cary." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-cary/.

Chicago: "William Cary." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-cary/.

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