A large brass wheel sitting on four smaller wheels, in a brass frame on a circular wooden stand. The smaller wheels spin at a much slower rate when the large wheel is spun.

ABDNP:200205a

Device exhibiting a low friction bearing. Friction wheels on circular base with holes for pulley cord - (top of Atwood's machine). Steel axles. Three 2 mm brass stud feet. Displayed in King's visitors' centre until 1993 - 2003. "Brilliant workmanship in the 1780s by the hand of Professor Copland himself. He created this model of a low friction bearing used as part of Atwood's machine."

Patrick Copland

1780-1800

Pulley wheel diameter 164 mm; small wheel diameter 100 mm; height from base 220 mm

Physical Object