Nooth's apparatus, Europe, 1774-1831
Invented by John Mervyn Nooth (1737-1828) in 1774, this device was made to reproduce natural spa water for medicinal uses. Following Joseph Priestley’s (1733-1804) experiments, carbon dioxide mixed with water was thought to be effective against many diseases such as scurvy. Nooth’s invention, which made carbon dioxide-rich water, was popular and sold in large numbers.
Object number:
1982-534
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: scurvy
Disease caused by a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is contained in fresh fruit and vegetables. Symptoms include weakness, painful joints, and bleeding gums.
Glossary: spa
A resort with mineral springs which are thought to have properties that help cure or soothe illnesses.
Glossary: Nooth's apparatus
device to mix carbon dioxide and water for medicinal uses