probably made in Edinburgh
Add to albumThis domestic thermometer on an ivory back was made around 1850, probably by Alexander Adie & Son, scientific instrument makers based in Edinburgh. It is kept for safety in a red morocco-leather case.
The mercury-in-glass thermometer has an ivory scale engraved with Fahrenheit and Reaumur scales from 'Freezing' to 'Fever Heat'. The thermometer is marked 'ADIE & SON/ Opticians/EDINBURGH'.
The domestic market for instruments grew during the early 19th century with increased public interest in science. A thermometer such as this might have been used by someone with an interest in the weather, or for use in a conservatory or greenhouse.
Record details
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.
- Online ID: 000-100-102-806-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland T.1983.35
- Date: Around 1850
c. 1850
- Material: Inscription: Adie & Son, Edinburgh
- Dimensions:
- What:
- Subject:
- Who: Adie and Son, Edinburgh? (Maker)
- Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
- Event:
- Description: Domestic thermometer on an ivory back, signed by Adie and Son of Edinburgh, c. 1850
- References:
- For the work of the Adie firm see Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh
- Translations:
- Related Records: