Wythe to Shermer, 10 July 1755

Wythe's order for scientific equipment, dated July 10, 1755. Original in the Charles Roberts Autograph Letters Collection, Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania.

This letter is a portion of one of Wythe's orders for scientific equipment. His order includes an aeolipile, which is a simple steam turbine. The device would be filled with water, then spin as steam was emitted. Wythe also orders a wood cup to perform the scientific demonstration known as the "Shower of Mercury," in which mercury is poured into an open cup sealed to a plugged container; the difference in pressure forces the mercury through a cork into the lower container, and the pressure causes the mercury to shower out in a blue-white color.

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an aelolipyle a receiver and wood cup for shower of Mercury - to be had of Naime and Blunt Mr Shermer will be so good to procure for

G. Wythe

10 july

1755