Demonstration apparatus

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This hydrostatic demonstration apparatus was made around 1830, probably by Nicholas Constant Pixii (1776-1861), a scientific instrument maker based in Paris. Pixii was in partnership with his son Antoine Hippolyte (1808-1835).

The apparatus shows how water can be raised by suction (suction pump) and by pressure (force pump). It is made of wood, brass and glass, with a lead-lined trough beneath into which the water eventually flows, being circulated again by the pump on the left, activated by the long handle. On a brass plate on the pillar supporting the curved iron handle is the inscription 'Pixii, Pere et Fils / Rue de Grenelle St Germain 18/ (A PARIS)'.

Nicholas Constant Pixii succeeded the Dumotiec Brothers in business in Paris in around 1815. This ingenious device would keep audiences fascinated as water flowed through each section, demonstrating various hydrostatic properties.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-289-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1984.178
• Date: Around 1830
  c. 1830
  
• Material: Apparatus / hydraulic demonstration
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Apparatus / hydraulic demonstration
  
• Subject:
• Who: Pixii and Son, Paris (Maker)
  
• Where: France, Paris
  
• Event:
• Description: Hydraulic demonstration apparatus by Pixii and Son of Paris
  
• References:
  • For 19th century hydrostatics, see Turner, G. L'E., Nineteenth Century Scientific Instruments. London: 1983, pp 82-95 
• Translations:
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