Weather compendium combining cistern mercury barometer, alcohol thermometer and thread hygrometer by George Graham, Fleet Street, London, 1739
This weather compendium combined a barometer, thermometer and hygrometer for measuring air pressure, temperature and humidity. The measure of humidity by the hygrometer depends on the stretching and shrinking of a piece of weighted whipcord, suspended inside the tapered wooden spindle.
The instrument was made by clock- and watchmaker George Graham (1673-1751); he has signed the dial of the central hygrometer. In addition to his status as a leading craftsman, Graham was also a Fellow of the Royal Society.
This weather compendium reflects a growing interest in observing and measuring meteorological phenomena during the 1700s. It was also a decorative item suitable for the home of a wealthy owner.
Details
- Category:
- Meteorology
- Object Number:
- 1928-705
- Materials:
- lead (metal), paper (fibre product), cat-gut, alcohol, complete, mahogany (wood), brass, glass and mercury
- Measurements:
-
overall: 960 mm x 380 mm x 420 mm, 7.52kg
- credit:
- Presented by Sir William Plender through the National Art Collection Fund
