Thermometer

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This domestic thermometer on an ivory back was made around 1850, probably by Alexander Adie & Son, scientific instrument makers based in Edinburgh. It is kept for safety in a red morocco-leather case.

The mercury-in-glass thermometer has an ivory scale engraved with Fahrenheit and Reaumur scales from 'Freezing' to 'Fever Heat'. The thermometer is marked 'ADIE & SON/ Opticians/EDINBURGH'.

The domestic market for instruments grew during the early 19th century with increased public interest in science. A thermometer such as this might have been used by someone with an interest in the weather, or for use in a conservatory or greenhouse.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-806-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1983.35
• Date: Around 1850
  c. 1850
  
• Material: Inscription: Adie & Son, Edinburgh
  
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Adie and Son, Edinburgh? (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Domestic thermometer on an ivory back, signed by Adie and Son of Edinburgh, c. 1850
  
• References:
  • For the work of the Adie firm see 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 
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