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The Age of Science |
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DESCRIPTION Orrery
MANUFACTURER Robert Brettell Bate, London, Britain
INVENTOR/DESIGNER George Graham (c.1673-1751), British
DATE c.1812
MATERIAL Brass, steel, ivory
PROVENANCE Private purchase in 1956
LOCATION Thinktank
CAT. NO 1956.S.00682.00001 | |
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Orrery | © Thinktank Trust | Come and see it in the Power Up gallery at Thinktank
This table-top mechanical device - an orrery - was used to explain the solar system. It demonstrates the relative positions and motions of the planets and their moons.
The device was probably invented by clockmaker George Graham between 1705 and 1710. The instrument maker John Rowley made a copy for Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery and named it in honour of the Earl.
Orreries were used for public lectures and teaching astronomy. Scientific instrument maker Robert Bate made this orrery in London around 1812.
Find out more about how scientific instruments have developed... MORE |
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