Specific gravity beads

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Specific gravity beads are used to measure the density of a liquid at a given temperature and thus its alcohol content. These beads were made around 1807, probably by Glasgow glass-blower Charles Galletti, who originated from Como in northern Italy.

The glass beads are contained in a wooden box lined with black velvet. The box holds 11 beads marked 22 to 32. A printed label inside the lid has instructions, a list of spirits corresponding to bead number, and the maker's name.

From the late 18th century, immigrant Italians arrived in Britain in some numbers. The particular trades they brought with them were glass-blowing and carving and gilding, which extended naturally into looking-glass and barometer manufacture.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-044-542-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1967.32
• Date: Around 1807
  c. 1807
  
• Material: Glass beads / wooden box / black velvet lining. Inscription: CHAS. GALLETI, & CO / NO. 82 GLASSFORD-STREET, GLASGOW
  Gravity beads, specific / Box
  
• Dimensions: 32 mm H x 75 mm D
  
• What: Gravity beads, specific / Box
  
• Subject: 22. PHYSICS, Hydrostatics (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Charles Galleti & Co., 82 Glassford Street, Glasgow (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
  
• Event:
• Description: Specific gravity beads, in a box, for testing spirits made by Charles Galleti & Co. of Glasgow about 1807
  
• 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. pp 205-6 
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