Accession No

0807

Brief Description

Roberval’s Enigma, by S. Lane, English, late 19th Century

Origin

England; Kent; Maidstone

Maker

Lane, S.

Class

mechanics (?); miscellaneous (?)

Earliest Date

1870

Latest Date

1900

Inscription Date

Material

metal (brass, steel); wood

Dimensions

length 309mm; breadth 52mm; height 122mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Inscription

‘S. LANE
MAKER
MAIDSTONE’ (stamped into base)
‘Roberval’s Enigma 1669’ (ink MS on reverse)

Description Notes

Wooden base with 2 brass pillars mounted towards one end, 2 steel pivots set between these pillars. Upper one carries a long brass bar with adjustable circular rider, lower pivot carries a short brass bar. Both bars are pivotted to a second pair of brass supports, which are themselves supported on the bars. The top of these 2 pivots carries a lower semi-circle above which is pivoted a brass bar carrying a cylindrical weight.

Condition good; complete

References

Events