Diagram explaining the raising of a weight by inflating a bladder
Date
4 March 1663
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p172
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 350mm
width (page): 230mm
width (page): 230mm
Subject
Content object
Description
This diagram is one of a series of figures (RBO/2i/168, 169, 172, 174 and 175) in John Wallis's explanation of the raising of a weight by inflating a bladder. In this diagram, B is a large bladder, whose neck at N is fastened to a board or post. The bladder can be inflated through a quill at Q, and P is a weight attached to the other end. Wallis observed that a weight of over 70 pounds could be lifted in this fashion.
Wallis read his paper at the meeting of the Royal Society on 4 March 1663.
For an earlier discussion of this experiment by William Croone, see RBO/1/108.
Wallis read his paper at the meeting of the Royal Society on 4 March 1663.
For an earlier discussion of this experiment by William Croone, see RBO/1/108.
Transcription
Having praemissed these Principles in staticks; I shall now propose the Phaenomenon or experiment whereof I am to give an Account. Suppose B to be a large bladder whose neck at N, is made fast to a Board or Post, so fixed as not to stir, yet so as that through a Quill Q, the bladder may be glown up; and at the bottom the weight P, fastened to it. It is found by experience, that by a Man's breath blowing the Bladder at Q, the sides being Distended and consequently the Length contracted, a weight of 50, 60, 70 pounds or more (according to the strength of his Lungs who blows it) will be lifted up a considerable height.
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 4 March 1663, ‘Dr. Wallis brought in his account of the experiment, wherein a weight is raised by the blowing of a bladder; demonstrating it by the principles of statics applied to the particular case; and it was ordered to be registered’ (Birch 1:206).
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 6 November 1661, ‘Mr. Croune read his Experimental account of the raising up of a weight hung at the bottom of an empty bladder; which was ordered to be registered’ (Birch 1:53).
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 6 November 1661, ‘Mr. Croune read his Experimental account of the raising up of a weight hung at the bottom of an empty bladder; which was ordered to be registered’ (Birch 1:53).
Related fellows
John Wallis (1650, British) , Mathematician
Associated place