Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Royalty
Science Jottings by Dr W. Heath Robinson II
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Science Jottings by Dr W. Heath Robinson II
II Testing gold with the uncle magnet at the mint. Typically ridiculous invention by Heath Robinson showing men at the Royal Mint testing gold by holding a pawn brokers sign nearby. Date: 1909
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14389185
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Amusing Apr16 Balls Contraption Contraptions Experiment Heath Invention Inventions Magnet Mint Money Pawn Pawnbrokers Ridiculous Robinson Silly Testing Jottings Valuation
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> Humour
> Heath Robinson
> Popular Themes
> Heath Robinson
> Popular Themes
> Money
EDITORS COMMENTS
II Testing Gold with the Uncle Magnet at the Mint by Dr. W. Heath Robinson II, 1909 This delightful and whimsical illustration by Dr. W. Heath Robinson II, dated 1909, showcases a scene at the Royal Mint that is anything but ordinary. In this cartoon, titled "II Testing Gold with the Uncle Magnet," we find a group of men in serious attire, engrossed in an amusing and seemingly ridiculous method of testing the purity of gold. The contraption they are using consists of a large, unwieldy magnet, labeled as the "Uncle Magnet," which is held aloft by a pair of men. Another man, wearing a mint employee's apron, stands nearby, holding a pawnbroker's sign. Gold balls are being dropped into the magnet, which is then lowered towards the man with the sign. If the gold ball sticks to the magnet, it is considered impure and is rejected. If it falls off, it is considered pure and is accepted. The humor in this illustration lies in the absurdity of using a pawnbroker's sign as a measure of gold purity, as well as the unwieldy and inefficient nature of the contraption itself. The use of the term "Uncle Magnet" adds to the playful and lighthearted tone of the illustration. Dr. W. Heath Robinson II was known for his inventive and humorous cartoons, and this illustration is no exception. His Science Jottings series, which included this piece, was popular for its whimsical take on scientific experiments and inventions. This particular illustration continues to entertain and amuse viewers with its silly and amusing portrayal of a common process at the Royal Mint.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
