Case, for pyrometer

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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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-002-271-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1987.354
• Date: Around 1800
  c. 1800
  
• Material: Pyrometer, Ferguson's
  
• 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 
• Translations:
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