Barometers Realm

The blued steel pointer creates a striking contrast with the brass, highlighting the symbolic difference between the materials: while brass represents stability and brilliance, steel stands for precision and cold calculation. The pointer glides over the scale with a smoothness that inevitably evokes a sense of the passage of time — inevitable and unrelenting. The scale, marked in London inches of mercury and divided into twentieths of an inch, conveys the precision of measurements, yet its texture and subdivided markings seem to underscore a striving for absolute accuracy.

Printed on the dial is the inscription "metallic barometer," flanked on either side by references to the awards Bourdon's invention received at the Paris Exhibition of 1849 (Bourdon and Richard's patent, Gold Medal) and at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 (Council Medal). The barometer is signed with the engraved initials "EB"—Eugène Bourdon—as well as "RICHARD A. PARIS," representing Richard of Paris.

The values for standard weather indications are written in pre-revolutionary Russian orthography, carrying not just information but a powerful visual presence. All words are in capital letters. In the weather readings "В.ДОЖДЬ" ("HEAVY RAIN") and "В.СУШЪ" ("HEAVY DRYNESS"), the letter "В" (meaning "great") emphasizes the magnitude and power of the weather phenomena, symbolizing the majesty of nature and its dominance over human lives.

On the back of the barometer, there is a small hatch. Bourdon barometers have a unique calibration method, unlike aneroids – a special key is required, which, when inserted into a centrally positioned port on the rear of the instrument, engages with the square base of the arbour. In doing so, a lever placed in the same plane and close to the arbour engages with the slipping drive pinion, allowing the arbour to be turned while the movement remains braked.