Hydrometer

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A hydrometer is used to measure the density of a liquid and thus its alcohol content for taxation purposes, at a given temperature. This early-20th-century Sikes hydrometer was sold by James Urquhart, a scientific instrument maker based in Dundee.

The brass hydrometer (pictured here in its box) is signed 'J. URQUHART BALTIC ST. DUNDEE'. The accessories include a set of nine weights (marked 10-90), a stem end cap, a wooden slide rule and a thermometer signed 'W. REEVES & CO, 26 MINORIES LONDON'.

The Sikes hydrometer is named after its designer Bartholomew Sikes (1731-1803). Sikes won a competition held to find the best hydrometer design.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-721-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1972.5
• Date: Early 20th century
  
• Material: Brass, wood slide rule / red fabric-lined box. Inscription: J. URQUHART BALTIC ST. DUNDEE; 48618; W. REEVES & Co. 26 MINORIES LONDON; W. REEVES & CO. 26 MINORIES LONDON; 19703
  Hydrometer, Sikes / box
  
• Dimensions: 100 mm x 125 mm x 15 mm
  
• What: Hydrometer, Sikes / box
  
• Subject: 22. PHYSICS, Hydrostatics (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: J. Urquhart, Baltic Street, Dundee, Scotland (Maker)
  Sikes (Eponym)
  W. Reeves and Co. (Inscribed on the hydrometer)
  
• Where: England, London (26 Minories)
  Scotland, Angus, Dundee
  
• Event:
• Description: Sikes hydrometer in a red fabric-lined box, signed by James Urquhart, Dundee, early 20th century
  
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