Click to enlarge

All data and images copyright © The University of Aberdeen

Where in the museum?

Full item record

Wooden case containing 12 glass beads. Made by Caesar Altria, c. 1860, Glass Blower/Mathematical Instrument Maker, Aberdeen 'for proving spirits'.

Glass beads made in Aberdeen used 'for proving spirits' (c1860).

In 1823 an Act of Parliament was passed allowing whisky distilling to take place legally in Scotland in new, larger distilleries working with over 40 gallons. New scientific equipment, such as 'philosopher’s beads', helped to regulate the quality of the spirit. These were developed by Alexander Wilson of Glasgow, in cooperation with skilled Italian glass-blowers there. This set of spirit provers would have been used in a distillery. They comprise a set of 14 small glass bubbles sized 21-40, each with a different specific gravity. When put into a liquid they will indicate its specific gravity by whether they float or sink. The guide to their use and the maker's name: 'CAESAR ALTRIA Mathematical Instrument Maker ABERDEEN' are printed on the inside of the lid. These 'philosopher's beads' were exceptionally popular in Scotland.