Apparatus (detail)

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This is a detail of an apparatus made in the late 19th century, probably by Morton of Edinburgh, a brass founder and instrument maker. The apparatus features a windmill which is placed inside a jar on an air pump and can be activated by a brass handle on top.

The detail shows the rim of the windmill, which is marked 'MORTON/EDINR'.

Other items used in conjunction with the air pump were the Magdeburg hemispheres, and the guinea-and-feather apparatus. This particular piece appears to have been made in Edinburgh, although it is not known for whom. Alexander Morton appeared in the Edinburgh street directories between 1832 and 1846 at various addresses, and was succeeded by Morton & Co. who vanished after 1851.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-002-253-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1902.8.9
• Date: Late 19th century
  
• Material: Glass jar
  Air pump / experiment, windmill
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Air pump / experiment, windmill
  
• Subject: 22. PHYSICS (Departmental Classification)
  13. PNEUMATICS, Experimental (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Morton, Edinburgh (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Air pump or 'windmill experiment' by Morton, Edinburgh, late 19th century
  
• References:
  • Bryden, D.J. Scottish Scientific Instrument Makers 1660-1900. Edinburgh, 1972. p 54 
  • Turner, G. L'E., Nineteenth Century Scientific Instruments. London: 1983, pp 96-108, chapter 6 'Pneumatics' 
• Translations:
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