Pulp Balance

Scales for Apothecaries and Assayers

c. 1850 – c. 1950

Richard Paselk, Curator

Pulp Balance

Pulp/Prescription Balance

Henry Troemner, Philadelphia

ca. 1900; Clark Historical Museum, Eureka, Calif.

catalog scan illustrating and describing Troemner prescription balance is from: Henry Heil Chemical Company. Illustrated Catalog and Price-List of Chemical Apparatus…etc. St. Louis, Mo. (1903)

A low sensitivity (± 2mg), medium capacity (150 g) balance used by assayers to measure the initial crushed rock sample (pulp) from which gold, etc. is then extracted and weighed on an assay balance. Essentially identical balances were also sold as pharmacists scales and general purpose lab scales. The catalog scan is from: Henry Heil Chemical Company. Illustrated Catalog and Price-List of Chemical Apparatus…etc. St. Louis, Mo. (1903). It shows the balance, 2660/7, that most closely resembles the balance on display. The complete selection of balances, scales and weights offered in this catalog are available online here.

The balance, made by Henry Troemner (see balance indicator scale below), has an 8” polished brass beam with steel knife-edges and plates as can be seen in this close up below. The nickel-plated pans, seen clearly in the image with the door open, are 2 ¾” dia. The case measures 16 1/8” x 7 3/16 (base) x 13 3/16” high. The drawer front is 11 ¼” x 2 1/8”. A view of the balance from the left end is seen below

Balance indicator scale

Detail close up of steel knife-edges and plates

Balance with with the door open

Photo of the balance from the left end