Backing board for thermometer made by George Adams (1709-1772) of Fleet Street, London, mathematical instrument maker to King George III (from 1756). The backing board is made of mahogany with a boxwood panel on the front and down one side. A bras cage to protect the bulb is attached to the base. There are four scales, two on each side respectively Newton, De Lisle, Fahrenheit and Reaumur. Down the side of the board the following are written at various intervals: Just Freeze, Winter, Spring and Autumn, Air at Midsummer, Hottest External Parts of Human Bodies etc. Dimensions: length 790mm; width 44mm; depth 16mm.
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library