A large c. 1820 steel and brass Régnier Dynamometer

A large c. 1820 steel and brass Régnier Dynamometer to measure hand strength, with lacquered brass scale from 0-180 with gear rack driven pointer.

Size c. 29 x 49 cm

"The Régnier dynamometer, invented and built by Edme Régnier (1751 – 1825), was brought to prominence in the world of physical culture in the early 20th century by Professor Edmond Desbonnet. It is easy to forget the life of the dynamometer before Desbonnet reintroduced it to strongman society.

The dynamometer is also impressive to observe: an elliptical spring, which serves as the frame of the apparatus, covered with leather (so as to prevent the hands from injury) and forged of tempered steel. Surmounting this is an engraved brass double scale shaped almost like an open fan. One scale shows results in myriagrams and the other in kilograms. A needle, made of steel, is affixed to the centre of the scale, with two arrows for accuracy of measurement on both scales. The first scale, in myriagrams (one of which equals just over 20lbs.), which rises by 10lbs per mark, was used for any experiment that required the dynamometer to be elongated, such as testing the strength of the lower back: in fact, any movement that caused the two ‘elbows’ of the ellipse to be pulled apart. The second scale was intended to be used when both ends of the ellipse were being squeezed together, such as when testing the strength of the hands."