A black hinged metal case with a glass window opening contains a brass mechanism designed to record water level. This consists primarily of a brass clock-driven cylinder and a brass stylus mechanism for registering water level on a marking surface that would have been affixed to the outside of the cylinder. This mechanism is connected to a wheel on the exterior of the case opposite the window. This wheel was likely meant to be linked to a float on the surface of a water body of water to be monitored. The case sits on four feet with holes for bolting the instrument to a platform. There is a hinged brass handle at the top of the instrument and two latches on one side to hold the lid closed.
The instrument includes two keys, at least one of which is used to wind the clock mechanism.
Accession Number: 2024.ihpst.122
Alternative Name: Water Level Meter
Primary Materials: Brass
A metal label affixed to the outer surface of the upper lid reads: “CASELLA LONDON// AGENT FOR// Richard Freres// PARIS”
The inner floor of the instrument includes the following stamped into its surface: “MADE IN FRANCE”, “19770”, “BREVETES SGDG// RF// PARIS”
Lid closed and handle folded: Height = 27, Width = 15, Length = 34.
This instrument was used to record the level of a body of water over time. Its mechanism translated the movements of a float into markings of a stylus scribing on a surface (likely smoked paper) that was fixed to the outside of a rotating clock-driven drum.
This artifact appears to be complete and largely intact. The black finish of its outer surface is dirty, heavily worn, and chipped in places, with flecks of black paint accumulating in the interior of the instrument. The brass surfaces are worn as well. The clockwork drum was not tested.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer: Richard Frères, Paris
Date of Manufacture: Late 19th c.
This artifact was acquired from Professor Trevor Levere of the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IHPST), likely in January of 2011.
Additional Information and References:
Historical Notes:
- Donated to UTSIC