Hemispheres, Known as Magdeburg hemispheres

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These brass hemispheres, known as Magdeburg hemispheres, were used to demonstrate features of atmospheric pressure. They were made in England in the 19th century and are unsigned.

When used in demonstration, the hemispheres are placed together and the air pumped out. The external atmospheric pressure outside makes them very difficult to separate.

The hemispheres are named after Otto von Guericke (1602-86) of Magdeburg in Germany, who was the first to perform this demonstration described in 1657.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-657-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1902.8.19
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Brass
  Magdeburg hemisphere
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Magdeburg hemisphere
  
• Subject: 22. PHYSICS (Departmental Classification)
  13. PNEUMATICS, Experimental (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: England
  Germany, Magdeburg
  
• Event:
• Description: Pair of brass Magdeburg hemispheres, unsigned, England, 19th century
  
• References:
  • Described by Turner, G. L'E., Nineteenth Century Scientific Instruments. London: 1983, p 97 
• Translations:
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