Goethe barometer clear glass

This flask signals changes in the weather, in that the water level in the spout sinks when the atmospheric pressure rises (and vice versa). Goethe owned one; it has survived 200 years and can still be viewed, fully functional, at his residence on Frauenplan in Weimar. Contrary to many legends, however, the privy councillor did not develop it himself – its origins can be traced to the beginning of the 17th century in the Netherlands. The barometer is filled with boiled or distilled water, which can be coloured for better visibility.