Historical information

This milk tester was developed by Stephen Babcock in 1890 to discourage milk adulteration. Some farmers would dilute the milk with water or skim off some of the cream. To undertake the test, milk was put into a special flask with a long neck, called a Babcock bottle, an amount of sulfuric acid was added to the milk. This would dissolve proteins and others components and leave the fat. The bottles were then placed on the tester. Heating and centrifuging would cause the fat to separate and float to the top in a layer free of bubbles. The centrifuging was done by speedily turning the handle (the handle is missing on this tester). The amount of fat could then be estimated from the volume of that layer.

Significance

This Babcock Milk Tester was of the type used by previous owner of Churchill Island, Harry Jenkins, who owned a dairy farm.

Physical description

Slate steel hand operated centrifuge, with a long wooden crank attaching to the body. Eight uncoloured metal protrusions for attaching to the bottles/pipettes connect with the crank, and the feet of the machine have two holes for secure attachment to a surface. This object has been riveted to a wooden board.

Inscriptions & markings

Babcock Tester, Official