Objekt 12
Papinian pot (steam pressure measurement)
Description
The pot is named after Denis Papin (1647-1713), who invented this early form of pressure cooker in 1679. Papin was an associate of Robert Boyle (1629-1692) in London and an assistant to Robert Hooke (1635-1703). Steam generation, condensation and work output take place in the same cylindrical vessel. During the first demonstration before the Royal Society, the pot burst. Only after Papin had also invented the safety valve did the cooking pot function safely and was granted a patent in Paris in 1681.
Object description
probably France, around 1800
Copper, cast, pot with lid, screws and square iron key
Purchase 1821 by Prof. Peter Merian
Deposit Institute of Physics of the University of Basel, Phys. 58.
Inv. 1986.410.