Gravity Beads
Owner: J.S. Donovan
Specific Gravity Beads
Complete Set
Maker : James Corte, Crawford's Land, foot of Saltmarket, Glasgow
One of the earliest known examples of a hydrometer for testing the proof
of spirits. Known as Philosophical Bubbles or Specific Gravity Beads
It is been established that the above beads were made by James Corte,
Crawford's Land, foot of Saltmarket, Glasgow in the 18th Century. This
instrument served as an individual hydrometers for use in testing various
alcoholic spirits. They were invented by Alexander Wilson in the mid 1750s. The
quality of these small glass bulbs or bubbles could only been attained by
highly skilled glass blowers of that era. Inside this case is the original
paper and the list of spirits and each number and the makers name address.
Also, each of the twelve beads are numbered.
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