Orrery with armillary bands, 1740-1747.
From: http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10197136
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This large planetary model is thought to have been made by the London instrument maker Thomas Wright. Known as an orrery or planetarium, it is a demonstration model to show the motions of the Earth, Moon and planets around the Sun. This example has a twelve-sided mahogany base with brass armillary bands and six planets (Mercury-Saturn). Such devices became popular during the 17th century, especially after Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) published his universal theory of gravity in 1687. To reproduce the motions of the solar system this model employs a hand crank to drive the gear wheels. This particular orrery was originally acquired by Hackney College, London for teaching astronomical principles.
Picture Reference: 10197136
Click site to view pictures.
This large planetary model is thought to have been made by the London instrument maker Thomas Wright. Known as an orrery or planetarium, it is a demonstration model to show the motions of the Earth, Moon and planets around the Sun. This example has a twelve-sided mahogany base with brass armillary bands and six planets (Mercury-Saturn). Such devices became popular during the 17th century, especially after Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) published his universal theory of gravity in 1687. To reproduce the motions of the solar system this model employs a hand crank to drive the gear wheels. This particular orrery was originally acquired by Hackney College, London for teaching astronomical principles.
Picture Reference: 10197136