Barometers Realm

The front of the case features a glass panel, allowing an unobstructed view of the intricate mechanism inside. The hinged top lid is secured with two hooks equipped with a special locking system to prevent accidental opening — a detail that reflects the meticulous attention to reliability required for aerial use.

Inside, a rectangular brass base supports the central mechanism of the barograph. A brass drum with an 8-day hourly clock movement is the heart of the device, rotating steadily to record atmospheric changes over time. Surrounding it is a complex system of levers and springs that translates the delicate movements of two Vidie-type aneroid capsules into precise mechanical motion. Unlike traditional aneroid barographs, this device features an external coiled spring in its mechanism, adding a distinctive element to its construction and enhancing its precision.

A brass arm extending from the mechanism ends with a fine writing pen, designed to trace atmospheric pressure fluctuations onto a paper chart. The chart is securely held in place by a flat brass plate, ensuring it remains steady during flight. On the outer front of the device, a small brass lever provides the user with the ability to disengage the writing arm from the drum — a practical feature for safeguarding the chart or resetting the mechanism.

This Jules Richard barograph, with its compact dimensions, refined construction, and innovative design, embodies the ingenuity of early 20th-century instrument engineering. It not only captured data critical to the advancement of meteorological science but also played a pivotal role in the daring era of balloon exploration. A perfect balance of form and function, it remains a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and innovation of its time.