Instrument to find out a difference of gravity
Date
21 March 1666
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p227
Dimensions
height (page): 365mm
width (page): 233mm
width (page): 233mm
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.
This image is copied from RBO/3/097.
This image is copied from RBO/3/097.
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 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 are printed in Birch 2:70-72.
Related fellows
Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, British) , Natural philosopher