Topbar Multimedia Catalogue Virtual Visit
Catalogue > Virtual Visit Room XV
XV.8 Air pump, twin barrels, table-top model
Maker:William Cary
Place:London
Date:early 19th cent.
Materials:mahogany, brass, glass
Dimensions:total height 1705 mm, base 560x330 mm
Current inventory:1536
        .................................

This pump, made by William Cary, is mounted on a wooden baseboard and fitted with two brass barrels whose pistons carry racks and are operated by means of a crank-and-pinion mechanism. A pair of small brass pillars supports the wooden pediment housing the mechanism. The bell-jar rests on a plate: the flow of air between the bell-jar and the barrels is controlled by a tap at the base of the barrels. Next to the bell-jar plate is a smaller plate that was used to evacuate an upright glass cylinder. This typical English portable air pump had evolved by c. 1760.

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

EXPLORE...

makers

typology

related objects

context

simulation

dictionary

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