Barometers Realm

Founding and Early Years

Taylor Instrument Companies was founded in 1851 in Rochester, New York, by George Taylor and David Kendall. From the beginning, the company specialized in producing high-precision measuring instruments, including thermometers and barometers.

In 1900, Taylor acquired the British company Short & Mason, which was well known for its meteorological instruments, such as aneroid barometers, altimeters, and anemometers. Following the acquisition, Short & Mason’s products were introduced to the U.S. market under the brand name Tycos.

In 1907, Taylor Brothers officially changed its name to Taylor Instrument Company, and in 1908, it registered the Tycos trademark. Under this brand, the company distributed various instruments, including Short & Mason’s meteorological products, specifically for the American market.

Growth and Further Development

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Taylor Instrument Companies continued to grow, expanding its product range to include:

• Climate and meteorological instruments (barometers, hygrometers, thermometers).
• Industrial measurement devices (temperature and pressure gauges).
• Household measuring instruments (kitchen thermometers, scales, timers).

In 1932, the company phased out the Tycos brand and reverted to using its primary name, Taylor.

Integration into ABB

In 1983, Taylor Instrument Companies was acquired by Combustion Engineering, making it part of one of the largest industrial corporations in the United States.

Later, in 1989, Combustion Engineering merged with ABB (Asea Brown Boveri), a global leader in electrical and measurement equipment. From that point forward, Taylor Instrument Companies became part of ABB, and its technologies continue to be used in process measurement systems.

Taylor Instrument Companies evolved from a small thermometer manufacturer in 1851 into a major developer of measuring instruments in the 20th century. Through the acquisition of Short & Mason and the establishment of the Tycos brand, the company significantly expanded its market. Even after being integrated into ABB, its technologies remain in use today.