Sikes-type hydrometer
Datecirca 1825
Inventory NumberDW0499
ClassificationHydrometer
Subject
Maker
Joseph C. Tucker
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionshydrometer: 19.3 x 3.9 cm (7 5/8 x 1 9/16 in.)
case: 6.5 x 27.1 x 11.5 cm (2 9/16 x 10 11/16 x 4 1/2 in.)
case: 6.5 x 27.1 x 11.5 cm (2 9/16 x 10 11/16 x 4 1/2 in.)
Material
Accessoriesweights (10); slide rule; mahogany case
DescriptionA silver hydrometer in the shape of an air-filled bulb that has a straight rod with a scale on one side, and another rod on its other end that ends in a what is probably a lead or mercury filled weight. It comes with several weights and a slide rule with conversion data for alcohol proof strength.
Signedon the lower stem: J. C. TUCKER BOSTON PATENT. 244
Inscribedon hydrometer: *9335
Curatorial RemarksThe patent was granted on December 23, 1822 to Tucker and Elisha Dwelle.
FunctionThis is a very precise hydrometer designed to test the proof strength of alcoholic beverages. One would put it into a liquid and the rod with the scale would sink in proportion to the liquid's density. If necessary, one would put weights on the hydrometer to make it sink enough. The reading in the scale that coincides with the liquid's surface can be used, together with the temperature of the liquid and the weight added, to find the proof strength with the help of the slide rule.
It was most likely used for taxing purposes. On this, see the following website.
It was most likely used for taxing purposes. On this, see the following website.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland received this as a gift from Ebenezer Gay, Hingham, Massachusetts, March 24, 1975. Donated to CHSI 1985.
F. C. Bridges
Date: 1850
Accessories: 1 Thermometer, 8 weights (9 originally present, 1 missing), 1 cap
Object number: DW0919
Thomas O'Dempsey Buss
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: weights (9); slide rule; thermometer; mahogany case; conversion tables book (Lib.4758, in library)
Object number: DW0222
English
Date: 1820-1850
Accessories: glass vase; thermometer with bone scale from 20° to 120°; weights (10); carrying case
Object number: DW0220
John Dicas
Date: 1780-1810
Accessories: weights, key with an oval ivory tag
Object number: 0080
American
Date: 1820-1850
Accessories: wooden box with red fabric lining; extra weights
Object number: 1998-1-0270
J. S. F. Huddleston
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: Wooden case.
Object number: 2021-1-0010
Joseph Long
Date: 1821-1840
Accessories: cylindrical metal container
Object number: DW0224a
Joseph Long
Date: 1821-1840
Accessories: cylindrical metal container
Object number: DW0224b
Louis-Joseph Deleuil
Date: 1830-1862
Accessories: wooden case; part of a set with 4451
Object number: 4452
Louis-Joseph Deleuil
Date: 1830-1862
Accessories: wooden case; part of a set with 4452
Object number: 4451
