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Case, for pyrometer

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Postcard of Case, for pyrometer.
000-190-002-271-C
© National Museums Scotland

Case, for pyrometer

A pyrometer usually demonstrates the different degree of thermal expansion of various metals. This fitted wooden case is for a pyrometer, designed by James Ferguson and made around 1800. The pyrometer was retailed by W. & S. Jones, scientific instrument makers based in London.

The case is missing an ivory plate from the front which probably said 'PYROMETER'. On one end there is a lion's head brass handle. The handle on the opposite end is missing.

The lion's head brass handle features in furniture of this period, demonstrating the division of labour within the instrument trade. Although the instrument itself would have been made by craftsmen in metalworking trades, the cases would have been subcontracted out to those who specialised in wood, such as furniture makers.


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Online ID: 000-190-002-271-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1987.354
Date: Around 1800
c. 1800
Material:
Dimensions:
What: Pyrometer, Ferguson's
Subject:
Who: Ferguson (Eponym)
W. and S. Jones, London (Maker)
Where: England, London
Event:
Description: Ferguson's pyrometer by W. and S. Jones of London, c. 1800
References:
  • Ferguson, James, A Supplement to Mr Ferguson's Book of Lectures...second edition, London: 1767, pp 9-12 and pl. ii 
  • Simpson, A. D. C., ' "La plus brillante collection qui existe au monde": A lost American collection of the nineteenth century' in Journal of the History of Collections 7 no 2 (1995), pp 187-96 
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