Bellows, probably used by Joseph Black

These bellows were probably used in classroom demonstrations or experiments by Professor Joseph Black (1728-99) at Edinburgh University. They were made in the late 18th century.

The mahogany base supports two leather bellow chambers hinged on opposite sides. An iron counterweight is attached to one chamber by an adjustable iron arm. The other chamber holds an iron arm for attaching to a pedal by means of a cord.

The bellows would have fed and regulated the flame of a blow-pipe, an instrument used in mineralogical investigation.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-044-106-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland T.1858.275.5
Date:	late 18th century
Material:
Dimensions:
What:	Bellows, blowpipe
Subject:
Who:	Edinburgh University (Owner) Humphrey Davy (Inventor) Joseph Black (Possible owner) Professor Gregory (Possible owner) Professor Hope (Possible owner)
Where:	England
Event:
Description:	One of a collection of apparatus and instruments from Edinburgh University used by Professors Black, Hope and Gregory - blowpipe bellows invented by Sir Humphrey Davy
References:	Anderson, R. G. W., The Playfair Collection. Edinburgh: 1978, p 77-9
Translations:
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