A Roman equal-arm balance made of bronze. Equal-arm balances of this type are the simplest and earliest method of weighing. It consists of a bar which has a pan suspended at either end. To use the balance, objects of unknown mass are put into one pan, and weights of known mass are put into the other pan until the two are balanced and the bar is level. This demonstrates the weight of the previously unknown mass as it must obviously be the same as the sum of the known weights. Taken from the Petrie Collection.

Picture Reference: 10327328
Subject: TRADE & INDUSTRY > Weighing & Measuring > Balances
Inventory No.: 1935-0452
Credit: Science Museum

Keywords: Ancient Roman, Balance, Bronze, Equal-arm Balances, Equal-arm, Europe, Italy, Man-made, Man Made Fibres, Richardson, Claire, Roman, Scale, Weighing, Weight

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