
3 3 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 25cm
Description
This pyrometer was presented to King George III by Josiah Wedgwood, its inventor, in 1786. Wedgwood developed the instrument to measure the high temperatures used in firing pottery. As porcelain shrinks when fired, the shrinkage of small pieces of porcelain could be used to measure kiln temperature. The pieces were fired and then placed in the gauge.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10190809
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library