Early Tardis? Eötvos Torsion Balance, Drumchapel, Glasgow, c.1927

BGS image ID: P002454

Drumchapel, near Glasgow. Gravitational survey by Eötvos Torsion Balance 

A Eötvos Torsion Balance is a geophysical prospecting instrument that is used to determine distortions in the gravitational field, i.e. to detect local anomalies in the earth's gravitational field. These anomalies are due to concealed features, in this case undulations in the rock strata under a varying thickness of superficial glacial deposits. The torsion balance was being used to investigate the buried topography of the drift-filled pre-glacial Kelvin Valley. In total sixty-eight stations were investigated over three months in December 1927 and January-February 1928.

BGS image ID: P002455

Removal of the balance from a field station. The balance is clamped fast to the inside of the tent. The trolley is erected against the south side of the tent (white line at base indicates magnetic south of the station point) and strapped. Note long flap of waterproof cover opposite tent door. Note framework construction of trolley, the padded supports, the leaf springs and pneumatic tyres. The height of the apparatus is indicated by the bystander. 

Bob McIntosh