An Exact Science

Antique scientific items are a very popular purchase at the moment with customers snapping up Barographs and Microscopes both online and in our shop.

It could be the widely jested inaccuracy of the British weather forecast or the interesting aura of a scientific object that keeps barometers and barographs in vogue, whichever the reason - this week's blog gives you an insight into a few different scientific antiques and their uses.

Antique Barographs

Barographs are instruments that continuously record changes in atmospheric pressure. A barograph typically consists of an aneroid barometer connected to a pen; the pen is in contact with a piece of paper mounted on a cylinder that rotates once on a daily or weekly basis. As the atmospheric pressure changes, the pen is displaced in proportion to the change. thus a record of the pressure is traced onto the rotating sheet of paper. This technical measurement of atmospheric pressure was used by early meteorologists to forecast changes in weather. Barographs are often housed within attractive oak or mahogany cases and are popular as gifts as well as with collectors.

At the time of writing we have no Barographs in stock - 

although three are coming into stock next week (Early July)

Antique Microscopes

 

A 19th Century Hartnack Microscope

We often have microscopes in stock, popular as much for their decorative qualities as their scientific uses, microscopes generally make excellent presents and interesting focal points in a study, living room or library. Originally produced in the late 1500's, Microscopes were a huge breakthrough in scientific possibility and there are many collectors of these clever devices worldwide.

Antique Apothecary Cabinets 

Apothecary boxes often referred to as cabinets, house pharmacist's potions and lotions. Historically, pharmacists would carry all manner of potions, powders and lotions on visits to patients in an attempt to cure them of their ailments!

George III Apothecary Cabinet

Thank you for reading the Graham Smith Antiques blog. If you are interested in the items we have mentioned then you can visit our website, visit us in store or follow us via Facebook or Twitter