Wythe to Shermer, 10 July 1755
This letter is a portion of one of Wythe's orders for scientific equipment. The Shermer he references may be one of the Shermers from the case Shermer v. Richardson His order includes an aeolipile, which is a simple steam turbine. The device would be filled with water, then spin as steam was emitted. Wythe also orders a wood cup to perform the scientific demonstration known as the "Shower of Mercury," in which mercury is poured into an open cup sealed to a plugged container; the difference in pressure forces the mercury through a cork into the lower container, and the pressure causes the mercury to shower out in a blue-white color.
Document text, 10 July 1755
Page 1
an aelolipyle a receiver and wood cup for shower of Mercury - to be had of Naime and Blunt Mr Shermer will be so good to procure for
- G. Wythe
10 july
- 1755
