Instrument for drawing up great weights
Date
5 May 1670
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p99
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 360mm
width (page): 231mm
width (page): 231mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Design by Christopher Wren of an instrument to wind up weights with ropes for wells, mines and cranes. This was read to a meeting of the Royal Society on 5 May 1670 when it was suggested to Robert Hooke that it could be used for clock mechanisms.
Transcription
Having considered, that the wayes hitherto used in all Engins for winding up Weights by Roaps, have been but two, vizt the fixing one end of the roap upon a cylinder or Barril, and so winding up the whole coyle of roap, the other by having a Chain or a loose roap catching on teeth, as is usual in clocks; but finding withall, that both these wayes were inconvenient; the first, because of the riding of much roap in winding one turne upon another; the other, because of the wearing out of the chain or roap upon the teeth; I have to prevent both these inconveniences, devised another, to make the weight and its counterpoyse bind on the Cylinder, which it will doe, if it be wound three times about.
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 5 May 1670, ‘Dr. Christopher Wren produced a new contrivance of his for a more convenient winding up of weights by ropes, and serving for wells, mines and cranes, and thought applicable to clocks. […] This being thought applicable to clocks, Mr. Hooke was ordered to make a trial of it’ (Birch 2:435). The minutes do not specify that this was to be registered.
Related fellows
Christopher Wren (1632 - 1723, British) , Architect
Associated place