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ABDMS010433, ABDMS010610, ABDMS002448 and ABDMS017666
Specific Gravity Beads
ABDMS010433, ABDMS010610, ABDMS002448 and ABDMS017666
ABDMS010433, ABDMS010610, ABDMS002448 and ABDMS017666

Specific Gravity Beads

Manufacturer
Object NameBeads
Mediumglass:wood
ClassificationsMetrology
DimensionsDiameter: 10.7 cm
In Box: 3.3cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1974 by the Department Of Weights and Measures.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS010610
About MeThese philosophical beads were used to indicate the specific gravity of alcohol and thus determine its proof. The business of Cesar Altria started as "glass blower" but expanded to include his son. By the 1850s Atria was advertising himself as "Optician to the Queen".

Round wooden box with lid. Inside, a red felt insert holds eight glass beads in recesses (incomplete - 15 missing). Each bulb is etched with a number - 18, 23, 19, 28, 24, 20, 27, 21.

The inside of the lid has a paper label which reads:

BEADS For PROVING SPIRITS,
Adjusted in the most accurate man-
ner - The Beads will sink to the
bottom of the Glass, if proof.
Made by C. ALTRIA, Glass-blower,
King Street, Aberdeen.
Spirit of Wine,......18, 19, 20.
Double Whisky,....21, 22, 23.
Double Rum, .......24, 25.
Double Gin and Brandy,26, 27
Proof, .................28, 29, 30.
Glass Proof, .......31, 32, 34
Image Not Available for Sikes' Hydrometer And Sg Tables
Sikes' Hydrometer And Sg Tables
c. 1872
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Sikes' Hydrometer
Specific Gravity Beads
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before 1942
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c. 1830-1900
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before 1936
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Image Not Available for Specific Gravity Beads
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c.1860
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November 1870