This is a close-up of a mechanical model of part of the solar system, commonly known as an orrery, made by renowned London instrument maker Benjamin Martin in about 1770. This bronze model features a cylindrical clockwork mechanism with an orb representing the Sun placed in the centre. Extending from this on an arm is a model of the Earth that is mounted on a tilt mechanism. The orrery stands 38.5 cm high and is 25.5 cm in diameter.
Credits | Reproduced courtesy of Museum Victoria |
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Creator | Benjamin Martin, manufacturer, c1770 Jon Augier, photographer |
Identifiers | Museum Victoria image number MN 14998 Museum Victoria object registration number ST 023770 TLF resource R6384 |
Source | Museum Victoria, http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/ |