The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester - Joule and Energy

INTRODUCTION
THE EXPERIMENT

JOULE'S LIFE AND WORK

APPARATUS

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

GLOSSARY


Welcome >> Joule's life and work >> Joule's background as a brewer

This is page 7 of 10 - view page 6 - view page 8

Left to right - A table of brewing temperatures from Dr S Muspratt, Chemistry as Applied to Arts & Manufactures, vol 1, [1853] - A large mash tun used at the Allsop & Sons brewery, Burton-on-Trent from the same source.

Left to right - A table of brewing temperatures from Dr S Muspratt, Chemistry as Applied to Arts & Manufactures, vol 1, [1853] - A large mash tun used at the Allsop & Sons brewery, Burton-on-Trent from the same source.

View larger images of The Table of Temperatures and of the Large Mashtun


What part did Joule's background as a brewer have to play in his experiments?

Joule's background as a brewer had several influences on his ability to experiment. Firstly, the brewing company that his father owned was very profitable. This meant Joule's father could afford to support Joule while he was conducting his experiments - including building him a laboratory. Secondly, it was necessary as a brewer to be able to read thermometers and other instruments quickly and accurately .

This experience was very valuable to Joule as he began experiments that required similar skills. In addition, being a brewer meant that Joule was confident at mathematics, since brewers needed to make many calculations during the brewing process.

 

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