Poids Collection

Science. Energy. Rails lifted by an electromagnet. Illustration from a series on the Wonders of Electricity, France
2638708 Science. Energy. Rails lifted by an electromagnet. Illustration from a series on the Wonders of Electricity, France, c.1910.; Private Collection; (add.info.: Sciences. Coll)

Science. Energy. Eletric winch. Imagery from a series on the Wonder of Electricity, France, c.1910
2638731 Science. Energy. Eletric winch. Imagery from a series on the Wonder of Electricity, France, c.1910.; Private Collection; (add.info.: Sciences. Treuil electrique. Coll. Part.); Photo © CCI

Ms Lat 993 L. 9. 28 fol. 98v Coconut Merchant from the Tractatus de Herbis by Dioscorides (vellum)
XIR159275 Ms Lat 993 L.9.28 fol.98v Coconut Merchant from the Tractatus de Herbis by Dioscorides (vellum) by Italian School, (15th century); Biblioteca Estense, Modena, Emilia-Romagna

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Poids; Weights; Gewichtsteine (engraving)
7197168 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Poids; Weights; Gewichtsteine (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Poids; Weights; Gewichtsteine)

Joseph Bonnes, Poids & Halteres, 1867 (b / w photo)
5201807 Joseph Bonnes, Poids & Halteres, 1867 (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Joseph Bonnes, Poids & Halteres, 1867)

Set of Weights known as the Piles de Charlemagne, 1450-1510 (bronze)
CHT237165 Set of Weights known as the Piles de Charlemagne, 1450-1510 (bronze) by French School, (16th century); CNAM, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers

Fer meteorique du Var, poids, 591 kilogrammes (engraving)
3645589 Fer meteorique du Var, poids, 591 kilogrammes (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Fer meteorique du Var, poids, 591 kilogrammes)

Gold weights cast in the form of guns (brass)
MGS180926 Gold weights cast in the form of guns (brass) by Akan School, (19th century); between 5 and 10 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Weights used by merchants and apothecaries (gun metal)
BAL3018 Weights used by merchants and apothecaries (gun metal) by English School, (17th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Weight for scales in the form of a bust of Minerva, Roman (bronze)
AII78711 Weight for scales in the form of a bust of Minerva, Roman (bronze) by Roman; Galleria e Museo Estense, Modena, Italy; out of copyright

Metric System Introduced
Usage des nouveaux poids et mesures - the Metric System is introduced in France by the Revolutionary government

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"Poids: A Journey through History, Culture, and Oppression" In the depths of history, we encounter a haunting image - that of a female negro slave with a weight chained to her ankle. This depiction from the Narrative of a Five Years Expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam in 1772-1777 serves as a stark reminder of the dark era when human beings were treated as mere commodities. But weights have played various roles throughout time. In Dioscorides' Tractatus de Herbis, we find an illustration of a coconut merchant carrying his goods on vellum. These weights symbolize not only commerce but also the diversity and abundance found across different lands. Moving forward to 1867, Joseph Bonnes captures another aspect of "poids" - strength and physicality. His black-and-white photograph showcases Poids & Halteres (weights and dumbbells), highlighting their significance in shaping one's physique during that era. The Piles de Charlemagne take us back even further to the medieval period. Crafted from bronze between 1450-1510, these sets of weights reveal how measurement systems evolved over time, reflecting societal needs and advancements. Not limited to earthly materials, meteoric iron from Var weighs an astonishing 591 kilograms. Engraved depictions remind us that even celestial objects can be measured using "poids, " expanding our understanding beyond terrestrial boundaries. Gold weights cast in gun-shaped forms demonstrate how artistry intertwines with functionality. Brass replicas serve as reminders that precision is vital for merchants and apothecaries who rely on accurate measurements for trade or medicinal purposes. A Roman bust-shaped weight dedicated to Minerva highlights both practicality and aesthetics in ancient times. Such intricate craftsmanship reveals reverence for knowledge embodied by this goddess while ensuring balance on scales used for transactions. Shifting gears towards commemoration, January 1st marks an important date.