Nauticalia

For over 400 years the mercury “stick barometer” was the most accurate way to measure air pressure and indicate changes in the weather – whether you were a ship’s captain or a laboratory scientist. But 21st century safety legislation banning the use of mercury (which is highly toxic) necessitated the invention of an alternative, and this exciting new, mercury-free, instrument is the result of extensive laboratory research and development.

For accuracy a barometer needs high sensitivity to changes in pressure; and easy readability so that the user can monitor them. This unique (patented) design cleverly achieves both by transferring the tiny expansions and contractions of eight metal vacuum chambers to a column of liquid in a glass capillary tube. As a result the liquid moves 45mm per 100hPa change – a huge scale that can be read with great precision. This accuracy has been combined with stunning design, in which “the workings” are left exposed, to fascinating effect. Alongside the column for pressure (which is calibrated in both PA and traditional inches of mercury) there is a thermometer, whilst at the bottom of the instrument there is a simple rotational adjustment for altitude - air pressure readings are always adjusted to sea level, for comparability. Glass, wood and metal are exquisitely blended to make this a genuine heirloom piece with real presence. Case measures 43" tall, 9" wide and 6" deep.