Orrery (side), made by John Miller

Add to album

This piece of demonstration equipment was ordered by John Robison (1739-1805), Professor of Natural Philosophy (physics) so that it could be used in a large classroom with raking seats, yet still be seen by most of the students. This is why, unlike most orreries, or models of the solar system, it is set up vertically, rather than the more usual horizontal form. The first orrery, constructed in the late 17th century, was made for the Earl of Cork and Orrery, hence its name.

This photograph shows the side view of the instrument. It is signed above the dial, 'John Miller Edinburgh'. The wheelwork and internal construction of orreries has much in common with clocks, and it is possible that the gearing of this complicated instrument was done for John Miller by his younger brother Alexander, who had completed a clockmaking apprenticeship in Edinburgh in 1772.

John Miller (1746-1815) may have served his apprenticeship with the London instrument maker George Adams. On his return to Edinburgh, one of his most significant early commissions was from John Robison, who from 1774 was professor. Because the class equipment was normally the professor's personal property, Robison had to re-equip, but fortunately he had a large bequest to help him. Some instruments were purchased from London, but this orrery was one of many items ordered from Miller, although only one of two which survive.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-000-906-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1999.347
• Date: Around 1785
  c. 1780
  
• Material: metal, wood. Inscription: Front scale: signs of the zodiac, months of the year and degrees / front: 'John Miller, Edinburgh'
  Orrery, vertical
  
• Dimensions: 1800 mm H x 1600 mm L
  
• What: Orrery, vertical
  
• Subject: 3. Astronomy and space
  
• Who: John Miller, Edinburgh (Maker)
  Professor John Robison (Owner)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Vertical orrery built for Professor John Robison of Edinburgh University, by John Miller of Edinburgh, c. 1780
  
• References:
  • Clarke, T.N., A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson, Brass & Glass: Scientific instrument making Workshops in Scotland. Edinburgh, 1989, pp 25-34, esp. p 30. 
  • For orreries, see King, Henry C. and J.R. Millburn, Geared to the Stars: the evolution of planetariums, orreries and astronomical clocks. Bristol, 1978. 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.C.D. Simpson, Brass and Glass, 1989, p. 30, 55 
• Translations:
• Related Records: