Model of an Archimedean screw, maker unknown, before 1753. Once belonged to Stephen Demainbray.

The Archimedean screw became a standard piece of demonstration apparatus in the first half of the eighteenth century. It illustrated the technology of the Classical era and was still used in the period. This Archimedean screw once belonged to Stephen Demainbray and was used by him in his lectures on natural philosophy. Demainbray worked as superintendent at the King's observatory at Kew from 1768 and his collection of instruments and apparatus was absorbed into the King's own collection.