Science Technology Pneumatics, or the Science of Air  Hydrometer, Wilson Lowry 1788

Genuine antique copper-plate engraving by Wilson Lowry (1762-1824) for "Cyclopedia of Arts and sciences. On An entre new and Improved Plan..."

Published "according to Act of Parliament Alexander Hogg, at the KingsArms No16 Paternoster Row" circa 1788

Condition: Excellent printed on hand-made  "laid paper" with complete plate-mark 230 x 375mm. Discolouraton on top edge outside platemark.

Wilson Lowry was a line engraver of scientific and technical illustrations, architectural views, landscapes, and portraits by contemporaries and his own design. Born in Whitechapel, Cumberlandhe was apprenticed to an engraver called Ross in Worcester, movingto London in 1780. He is credited wth inventing a device for 'hatching' on plates and was one of the earlest to tackle the hardsteel plate engraving, the harder metal required for the increased demand on the printing presses in hte 1820's.

Hydrometer was an instrument used to measure the specific gravity (relative density) of liquids; that is, the ratio of the density of the liquid to the density of water. A hydrometer is usually made of glass and consists of a cylindrical stem and a bulb weighted with mercury or lead shot to make it float upright. In an age where wine and beer was made as water was unsafe, the Hydrometer was integral " beer making process that allows homebrewers to adjust and predict the integrity of their recipe by providing accurate readings of the beer's sugar level as well as its specific gravity." Wikapedia