20.5 x 43.4 x 18.5
Bronzer and brass
INDEX 1788 : O.III.267
Aeolipila aenea curriculo ex tribus rotis metallicis innixa, cui supposita est lucerna. Haec per vapores aquae ebullientis inclusae curriculum retroagit.
A bronze aeolipile supported on a carriage of three metallic wheels, underneath which was placed a small light. This, by means of the boiling water vapour on the inside, made the carriage move backwards.
This model of aeolipile is for the study of the effects produced by steam under pressure. It comprises a hollow, pear shaped bronze receptacle. It was filled with water through an opening in the upper part that was subsequently blocked up with a cork. This receptacle is supported over a brass ring that forms part of the structure of a carriage from which three large wheels are projected.
On the platform of the carriage, underneath the aeolipile, a little night light was placed, to heat the water up to boiling point. In the rear part of the aeolipile there is a small hole through which the steam is expelled under pressure, making the carriage move in the opposite direction to that of the released steam.
From Colégio dos Nobres, catalogue n.º 257.Nollet, Jean-Antoine, Leçons de Physique Expérimentale, Paris, 1764, Vol. IV, Leçon XXI, Pl. 2, fig. 6.