Bellows, probably used by Joseph Black

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These bellows were probably used in classroom demonstrations or experiments by Professor Joseph Black (1728-99) at Edinburgh University. They were made in the late 18th century.

The mahogany base supports two leather bellow chambers hinged on opposite sides. An iron counterweight is attached to one chamber by an adjustable iron arm. The other chamber holds an iron arm for attaching to a pedal by means of a cord.

The bellows would have fed and regulated the flame of a blow-pipe, an instrument used in mineralogical investigation.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-044-106-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1858.275.5
• Date: late 18th century
  
• Material: Bellows, blowpipe
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Bellows, blowpipe
  
• Subject:
• Who: Edinburgh University (Owner)
  Humphrey Davy (Inventor)
  Joseph Black (Possible owner)
  Professor Gregory (Possible owner)
  Professor Hope (Possible owner)
  
• Where: England
  
• Event:
• Description: One of a collection of apparatus and instruments from Edinburgh University used by Professors Black, Hope and Gregory - blowpipe bellows invented by Sir Humphrey Davy
  
• References:
  • Anderson, R. G. W., The Playfair Collection. Edinburgh: 1978, p 77-9 
• Translations:
• Related Records: