Heat sensitive fire alarm invented by Anthony Iske (1831-1920). Patented by Iske on Aug. 19,1890.
Inside the wooden case, on alarm mechanism/movement, printed in black ink: "J.A. Neiss, Sr." There is also the key to wind the alarm, loose on the floor of the holder.
Anthony Iske was born in France and immigrated to the U.S. in 1847. He moved to Lancaster in 1853 and became an American citizen in 1858. Along with his son, Albert, he held over 200 patents. Most notable of his inventions was the first meat-slicing machine, a model of which is in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Heat Motor was designed to turn the energy held by heated water into rotational movement. Heating the water in the trough would cause the air in the submerged cylinders to rise. As the engine began to turn, the cylinders would rise above the water, the air inside would cool, and the cylinders would fall on the opposing side, adding to the circular motion of the engine.
Small ear of corn in a cylindrical Alka-Seltzer lidded bottle. Note inside states corn was raised by William Henry Alexander in 1861 in the Keylor Garden close to Hope School, near Kirkland in Colerain Township, during the summer he enlisted in the Union Army. Presented by Alexander's niece or nephew [Nibbis] L. Book.
Provenance
Corn in a bottle donated by niece? or nephew? Nibbis? L. Book.
Evidence of insect activity with holes, frass and missing kernels. Residue of tape adhesive on side of bottle.
Object ID
1942.007.2
Notes
The U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles has a record of a William H. Alexander, private, enlisting in Company 1, Pa. 12th Infantry Regiment on 25 Apr 1861. Mustered out on 05 Aug 1861 at Harrisburg, PA. Dates coincide.
