Scientific equipment | Science Museum Group Collection

Torsion balance with photographic recording, main unit with wooden case, serial no. 20420, L. Oertling Ltd., London, UK, 1925. Used for geophysical prospecting through gravitational methods, the instrument is based on a design by Hungarian physicist Loránd Eötvös. It is believed to have been purchased in 1927 for field trials in Britain by the Geological Survey, and modified by the National Physical Laboratory the following year. In 1931 it was transferred to the newly-founded department of applied geophysics at Imperial College, forming part of their suite of apparatus for practical education in applied geophysics.

Eötvös torsion balance by L. Oertling Ltd, 1925

1925

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Eötvös torsion balance by L. Oertling Ltd, 1925

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Eötvös torsion balance by L. Oertling Ltd, 1925