King's electrical orrery

King's electrical orrery King's electrical orrery King's electrical orrery King's electrical orrery

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

King's College, London| Enquiries to Science Museum, London
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

King's College, London| Enquiries to Science Museum, London
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

King's electrical orrery

King's electric orrery, c. 1765. This type of instrument was devised by Erasmus King, a mid 18th century lecturer on experimental philosophy. It was probably made by George Adams, instrument maker to King George III. The brass balls represent the Sun, Moon and Earth. Charging the central column caused the supporting rods to become charged. The charge streamed off the small spikes causing the rods to rotate, thereby imitating the motion of the Moon, Earth and Sun.

Details

Category:
King George III
Object Number:
1927-1182
Materials:
arms (2), brass, base, brass, brass, iron, steel and mahogany
Measurements:
overall: 240 mm x 320 mm x 140 mm, 0.42 kg
type:
orreries and electrical orreries
credit:
King's College, London