Topbar Multimedia Catalogue Virtual Visit
Catalogue > Virtual Visit Room XV
XV.2 Single-barrel exhausting and compressing pump
Maker: unknown
Place:Florence
Date:1767
Materials:mahogany, brass
Dimensions:total height 1300 mm, base 380x480 mm
Current inventory:1535
        .................................

Well-made pump with single upright barrel, mounted on a double wooden tripod. The piston is operated by means of a crank and rack. The base of the barrel is fitted with a valve. A pair of Magdeburg hemispheres is screwed onto the plate on the upper part of the machine. A three-way stop-cock allows the reversal of air inlet and delivery to the plate. The instrument could thus be used either as a vacuum pump or a compressor. For the latter purpose, the air was compressed in a special compartment. This innovation was described by John Smeaton in 1753. The pipe connecting the plate to the pump is a modern replacement. Provenance: Lorraine collections.

.................................
 
 
 
 

EXPLORE...

provenance

related people

typology

context

simulation

dictionary

in depth

  © 1995-2010 IMSS  Piazza dei Giudici 1  50122 Florence   ITALY