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A page from the Illustrated London News, 1951
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A page from the Illustrated London News, 1951
A page from the Illustrated London News, 1951, showing a reconstruction of Dr. Merryweather of Whitbys Tempest Prognosticator, and an illustration detailing how the device works. The original prognosticator featured in the Great Exhibition of 1851, and was designed to warn of approaching storms. The replica device was reconstructed by Cockade Ltd for display in the 1951 Festival of Britain in the meteorological section of the Dome of Discovery. In it 12 leeches, disposed each in a transparent glass bottle, are arranged in a circle " in order that the leeches might see one another and not endure the afflictions of solitary confinement". Atmospheric pressure agitates the leeches, who rise and move whale bone buttons, sounding the bell and so warning of approaching tempests. See 10423322 for the original 1851 device. Also featured on this page: The open cage and the doves of freedom flying from it, a piece of fantasy artwork in the Lion and Unicorn Pavilion Gallery. Richard Huws mobile fountain on the river front, with movable aluminium leaves, also features
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Media ID 4467521
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10423321
1851 1951 Cockade Device Discovery Doctor Dome Festival Forecast Invention Merry Weather Meteorological Prediction Reconstructed Reconstruction Replica Tempest Whitby
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This page from the Illustrated London News, dated 1951, offers a glimpse into the intriguing world of meteorology during the Festival of Britain. The illustration showcases a reconstructed version of Dr. Merryweather's Tempest Prognosticator, a storm-warning device that originally debuted at the Great Exhibition of 1851. The replica, crafted by Cockade Ltd, was proudly displayed in the meteorological section of the Dome of Discovery. The Tempest Prognosticator features a captivating design, with twelve leeches arranged in a circle in transparent glass bottles. The leeches, as the caption explains, are "in order that the leeches might see one another and not endure the afflictions of solitary confinement." When atmospheric pressure changes, the leeches are agitated, causing them to rise and move whale bone buttons, which in turn sound a warning bell. This ingenious mechanism was believed to predict approaching tempests. The original Tempest Prognosticator, which can be seen in the reference image 10423322, also featured in the Illustrated London News in 1851. The page also includes other fascinating elements, such as an open cage with soaring doves symbolizing freedom, and a fantastical artwork of the Lion and Unicorn Pavilion Gallery. Additionally, the mobile fountain designed by Richard Huws, with its movable aluminum leaves, adds to the vibrant riverfront scene. This snapshot from the past offers a unique blend of science, art, and whimsy.
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