Description: The Sykes hydrometer was developed and put into use in 1816. It was named after Sir Benjamin Sykes, who played a significant role in standardizing the instrument for use in assessing the alcohol content of spirits. The British government officially adopted this hydrometer for excise duties in the early 19th century, as it provided a reliable and consistent way to measure the alcohol content for taxation and regulatory purposes. The development of this instrument was part of broader efforts to improve the accuracy of measurements in trade and industry during that era. A Sykes hydrometer is a specialized instrument used to measure the specific gravity (or relative density) of liquids, particularly alcohol. It was historically used for the assessment of the strength and concentration of spirits in various alcoholic beverages. Named after Sir Benjamin Sykes, who helped standardize its use in the 19th century, this hydrometer is specifically designed to be accurate for mixtures of water and ethanol. Key Features: •Purpose: It is most commonly used for determining the alcohol content in distillates. •Calibration: The Sykes hydrometer is calibrated based on the weight of alcohol compared to water, allowing users to read the alcohol percentage directly. •Usage: Typically, it is employed in industries such as distilling and brewing to ensure the alcohol concentration meets the desired standards. How It Works: The hydrometer floats in the liquid being measured. The degree to which it sinks indicates the specific gravity of the liquid, which can be interpreted as the alcohol content. The reading is usually taken at a specific temperature, as the density of liquids can vary with temperature. In modern applications, more sophisticated electronic devices or hydrometers calibrated with different scales have largely replaced the Sykes hydrometer. However, it remains a historical and educational tool, demonstrating early methods of alcohol measurement. Please see photos for best detail what you see is what you get. The set does show wear - but is an exceptional example of an original hydrometer. Beautiful box is lovely - missing 2 discs, thermometer has broken in 2, but each piece is present. A wonderful example of the ingenuity of a by-gone era. From a collectors estate.
Price: 50 USD
Location: Toledo, Ohio
End Time: 2024-12-17T14:30:07.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Theme: Breweriana
Brand: Sykes
Country/Region of Manufacture: England
