Current meter

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A current meter is a device used to measure the rate of flow in rivers and water supply pipes. This brass example was made around 1900, probably by the firm founded by Patrick Adie (1821-86), a scientific instrument maker based in London.

The meter has a two-bladed rotor, a counter and a bladed vane. The rotor, driven by the current, moves a worm gear, which turns the toothed edges of the two dials, one within the other.

Patrick Adie was particularly noted for his meteorological instruments. At least two large tide gauges can be credited to his firm: one was sent to India, the other installed at Chelsea Bridge in London.

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-776-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1980.206
• Date: Around 1900
  c. 1900
  
• Material: Brass. Inscription: ADIE. / LONDON
  Meter, current
  
• Dimensions: 325 mm L
  
• What: Meter, current
  
• Subject:
• Who: Adie, London (Maker)
  Arthur Frank Collection of Scottish Scientific Instruments
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Current meter in brass, bronze and oxidised brass, with 2-bladed rotor, counter and vane, signed by Adie of London, c. 1900
  
• 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 83 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson (1989): "Brass and Glass 
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