Experimenta Collection

Von Guerickes demonstration of power of vacuum, using Magdeburg hemispheres and two teams of horses. From Guericke Experimenta Nova, Amsterdam, 1672

Otto von Guericke (1606-1686), German inventor, engineer and physicist, c1672. Portrait from his Experimenta Nova, ut vocant, Magdeburgica, de vacuo Spatio (New Magdeburgian Experiments)

Title page of Experimenta Nova, ut vocant, Magdeburgica, de vacuo Spatio, (Amsterdam, 1672). (New Magdeburgian Experiments, as they are called)

Von Guerickes (1602-1686) water barometer. Fig. I, details of parts: Fig II, complete barometer: water reached 3rd floor, but not 4th. Fig. IV, details of indicator

Experiment designed to show that air has weight. From Experimenta Nova ut vocantur Magdeburgica De Vacuo Spatio (New Magdeburg Experiments About the Vacuum, Otto von Guericke, (Amsterdam, 1672)

Von Guerickes sulphur ball electric machine. From Experimenta Nova by Otto von Guericke (Amsterdam, 1672)

Otto von Guerickes improvement on Robert Boyles air pump. From Experimenta Nova by Otto von Guericke (Amsterdam, 1672). Engraving

Otto von Guerickes air pump. From Experimenta Nova by Otto von Guericke (Amsterdam, 1672). Engraving

Demonstrating the strength of a vacuum. Vessel from which air has been evacuated mounted in frame. A rope attached is passed over two pulley wheels

Von Guerickes first air pump being used to remove the air from a sealed barrel. From Experimenta Nova by Otto von Guericke (Amsterdam, 1672)

Von Guerickes second air pump (1656ja), shown here being used to exhaust two Magdeburg hemispheres. From Experimenta Nova by Otto von Guericke (Amsterdam, 1672)

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"Unleashing the Power of Vacuum: Otto von Guericke's Groundbreaking Experiments" Otto von Guericke (1606-1686), a brilliant German inventor, engineer, and physicist, left an indelible mark on the world of science with his groundbreaking experiments. One such experiment was his famous demonstration of the power of vacuum using Magdeburg hemispheres. In 1672, von Guericke published "Experimenta Nova, " a remarkable work that explored the concept of vacuum space. The title page itself showcased his dedication to unraveling this mysterious phenomenon. Among his inventions was the water barometer (Fig. I), which ingeniously revealed that air possesses weight. This revolutionary discovery challenged conventional beliefs and paved the way for further scientific exploration. Von Guericke's relentless pursuit led him to design an experiment showcasing the immense strength of a vacuum. A suspended platform demonstrated how atmospheric pressure could be harnessed to create astonishing effects. His sulphur ball electric machine (Fig II) exemplified von Guericke's innovative spirit as he delved into electrical phenomena in Experimenta Nova. His contributions laid essential foundations for future advancements in electricity and magnetism. Notably, von Guericke improved upon Robert Boyle's air pump by developing his own version (1656ja). This invention allowed him to remove air from sealed barrels using his first air pump—an extraordinary feat at that time. The second iteration of von Guericke's air pump (1656ja) proved even more powerful as it exhausted two vessels simultaneously. These devices revolutionized experimental physics by enabling scientists to manipulate gases like never before. With each experiment conducted by Otto von Guericke, our understanding of nature expanded exponentially. His tireless efforts continue to inspire generations of scientists who strive for innovation and seek answers beyond what is known.