This barometer has been suggested to Messrs. Negretti and Zambra by Wentworth Erk, Esq. It consists of a regular barometer; but attached to the vernier is a double rack worked with one pinion, so that in setting or adjusting the vernier in one position, the second rack moves in directly the opposite direction, carrying along with it a plug or plunger the exact size of the internal diameter of the tube dipping in the cistern, so that whatever the displacement that has taken place in the
A barometer on this principle is, however, no novelty, for at the Royal Society’s room a very old instrument may be seen reading somewhat after the same manner.
Fig. 6 is an illustration of the appearance of this instrument. The cistern is so constructed that the greatest amount of light is admitted to the surface of the mercury.