Daniel Quare (1648-1724) is primarily known as a clock and watchmaker. He was, however, also an accomplished maker of portable barometers, one of which came up for sale at Dorotheum (25/22/15% buyer’s premium) in Vienna on March 29.
Until the end of the 17th century truly portable mercury barometers were unknown. The instruments had to be carefully dismantled for transport, otherwise the mercury could escape from the glass bowl, rendering it unusable.
In 1695 Quare applied for a patent and was soon able to present his construction, which was favourably received by the members of the Royal Society. They praised the fact that it could be inverted without spilling the “quick silver”.