Instrument to find out a difference of gravity
Date
21 March 1666
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p97
Dimensions
height (page): 365mm
width (page): 232mm
width (page): 232mm
Description
Robert Hooke's instrument to find out a difference of gravity. The instrument consists of a weight (I) attached to a long beam (HH) that is measured on a scale along a divided pillar (KK). The instrument is carried to different locations where the weight is measured and then compared to measurements taken in other locations.
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 21 March 1666, ‘[Mr. Hooke] presented a paper, which was read, containing some experiments of gravity made in a deep well near Banstead Downs in Surry [sic]; to which was annexed the scheme of an instrument for finding the difference of the weight, if any, between a body placed on the surface of the earth, or at a considerable distance from it, either upwards or downwards. It was ordered, that this paper should be registered’ (Birch 2:69-70). Text and description of instrument printed in Birch 2:70-72, but not the figure.
Related fellows
Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, British) , Natural philosopher