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.
On display
If you are visiting to see this object, please contact us in advance to make sure that it will be on display.
Details
- Category:
- Meteorology
- Object Number:
- 1928-705
- Materials:
- alcohol, brass, cat-gut, complete, glass, lead (metal), mahogany (wood), mercury and paper (fibre product)
- type:
- mercury barometer
- taxonomy:
-
- furnishing and equipment
- measuring device - instrument
- furnishing and equipment
- measuring device - instrument
- thermometer
- furnishing and equipment
- measuring device - instrument
- barometer
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
- credit:
- Presented by Sir William Plender through the National Art Collection Fund
Cite this page
Rights
We encourage the use and reuse of our collection data.
Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
Descriptions and all other text content are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence
Download
Download catalogue entry as json
View manifest in IIIF viewer
Add to Animal Crossing Art Generator
Download manifest IIIF
Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.