Storm King barometer
Date1860-1890
Inventory Number1998-1-0283
ClassificationBarometer
Subject
Maker
E. C. Spooner
circa 1850 - 1890
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions96.3 x 9 x 5 cm (37 15/16 x 3 9/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionMercury barometer in a wooden casing. The mercury cistern and part of the glass tube are not visible behind the wooden case, but the glass tube emerges near the middle of the instrument and extends into a glass window, backed by the case. The glass window contains the top of the mercury tube, as well as a thermometer which is now broken. A paper label containing manufacturing information as well as two sets of scales is also visible through the window. The frame around the thermometer and the top of the barometer is now starting to come apart.
The casing has a flat wooden backing, black accents, a domed top, and molded edges all around, ending in a scalloped point at the bottom. There is a small metal ring at the top for hanging it.
Barometric scale: 25-31 inches.
Thermometer scale: -40 to 110 °F
The casing has a flat wooden backing, black accents, a domed top, and molded edges all around, ending in a scalloped point at the bottom. There is a small metal ring at the top for hanging it.
Barometric scale: 25-31 inches.
Thermometer scale: -40 to 110 °F
Signedon paper label: MANUFACTURED / And sold by / E.C. SPOONER / BOSTON
Inscribedon paper label: THE / STORM KING / BAROMETER / Warranted Correct. / MANUFACTURED / And Sold by / E. C. SPOONER / BOSTON.
above barometric scale, on paper label: THE STANDARD
Curatorial RemarksDimensions are not exact because instrument was measured in place.
FunctionA mercury barometer used primarily to predict changes in air pressure that would signal changes in weather. The name "Storm King" implies that this instrument may have been used in a household setting rather than for scientific work.
When in use, the instrument would have hung on a wall, and the pressure of the surrounding air would balance with the weight of the mercury in cistern at the bottom of the glass tube such that it would form a column in the tube of a particular height. A measurement could then be taken on the scale of the height of the column, against the accompanying scale.
The presence of the thermometer was also important for calibrating the instrument to temperatures other than that of the standard.
When in use, the instrument would have hung on a wall, and the pressure of the surrounding air would balance with the weight of the mercury in cistern at the bottom of the glass tube such that it would form a column in the tube of a particular height. A measurement could then be taken on the scale of the height of the column, against the accompanying scale.
The presence of the thermometer was also important for calibrating the instrument to temperatures other than that of the standard.
The W. M. Welch Scientific Company
Date: 1934-1950
Accessories: black wood case
Object number: 1998-1-0205
W. & S. Jones
Date: 1800-1850
Accessories: key (metal with ivory grip) in top key hole Finia, made of ivory
Object number: 1998-1-0281
C. F. Casella & Co. Ltd.
Date: circa 1920
Accessories: Card and tags indicate there should be a leather carrying case, strap, and 3 legs for support. However, this instrument has been stored by itself.
Object number: DW0642
Nicolas Fortin
Date: 1800-1830
Accessories: wooden carrying case, which also functions as a tripod from which to hang the barometer during use.
Object number: 1998-1-0444
