probably made in Edinburgh
![Postcard of Cometarium.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00988346.jpg&PHPSESSID=1d4pjhlksmv6ijmbbslj94j8p0) 000-100-102-732-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Cometarium
A cometarium is a device for illustrating the elliptical motion of a comet around the sun. This example was made around 1790, probably by John Miller, a scientific instrument maker based in Edinburgh.
The cometarium uses a system of pulleys to turn the mechanism. A constant rate of rotation of one wheel produces a variable speed of rotations of the wheel propelling the comet around the sun.
The device was used to teach students at the University of Edinburgh when astronomy formed a part of the ordinary arts curriculum.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-100-102-732-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1975.53 |
Date: |
Around 1790 c. 1790
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What: |
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Subject: |
3. ASTRONOMY, Models (Departmental Classification)
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Who: |
John Miller, Edinburgh (Maker)
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Where: |
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
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Event: |
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Description: |
Cometaraium, a device for illustrating the elliptical motion of a comet around the sun, by John Miller, Edinburgh, c. 1790
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References: |
- Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C., Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989, p 30
- Millburn, J. R., Wheelwright of the Heavens. London: 1988, p 64
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