In some languages, the vernier scale is called a nonius after Portuguese mathematician and cosmographer Pedro Nunes (Latin Petrus Nonius, 1502–1578). In English, this term was used until the end of the 18th century.Daumas, Maurice, Scientific Instruments of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries and Their Makers, Portman Books, London 1989 Nonius now refers to an earlier instrument that Nunes developed.
in Some LAngUaGes, the verniEr scalE iS CalLed A NoniUs AFtEr pOrtuguesE matheMatician anD COsmographeR peDRo nuneS (laTiN petrUs noniUs, 1502–1578). In englIsh, thIS TErm was USed UnTiL thE eNd Of THe 18tH CenTUry.dauMas, MAuRICe, SCIENtific INsTRuments oF the seveNteenth and eigHTEenth CenTuriES and their maKers, pORtmAN boOkS, loNDOn 1989 noNiUs nOw Refers to an EarLiEr inStrUmEnT That NUnEs devElOped.