Ancient mercury barometer mounted on a mahogany table signed Cesare Vaselli from the early 19th century. This ancient measuring instrument consists of a glass tube filled with mercury and turned with the open side downwards inside a glass bulb containing other mercury. The mercury column tends to descend into the bulb leaving the void behind it: by measuring the height of the column the atmospheric pressure can be calculated.
Mercury was already known in ancient times to the Chinese and Hindus; it was found in Egyptian tombs dated around 1500 BC. from 500 BC. begins its use as an amalgam for other metals. The ancient Greeks used it as a pigment for paintings, and the Romans used it in cosmetics. According to medieval alchemists it was the material from which everything else had been formed, and they thought that once hardened it would turn into gold.
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Out of stockAncient stoup in carved white marble, 17th century in good condition. Period: '600 Measurements: H 130 x D 64 cm
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Out of stockRare Piedmontese walnut bed with turned columns dating back to the 17th century. In good condition. Period: '600 Measurements: H 170 x W 147 x D 201 cm
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Out of stockAntique original Poltrona Frau from the early 1900s, in good condition. Period: Early 20th century Measurements: H 90 x W 80 x D 105.5 cm