This image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence
Buy this image as a print
BuyLicense this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library
LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence
Buy this image as a print
BuyLicense this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library
License
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
- copyright:
- Unlinked Name
- credit:
- King's College, London
