Historical information

The book was compiled for the proprietor, L Oertling (Ludwig Oertling), who established his firm of precision scientific instruments in 1849 and went on to become well-known in Britain for its manufacture of precision instruments, particularly its balance scales. In 1865 Ludwig Oertling and business partner Edward Wilds Laad at 27 Moorgate Street London were granted Patent 75 for the invention of improvements in hydrometers. The firm was situated at Turnmill Street, London, in 1922, when it advertised its products including hydrometers, petroleumeters, saccharometers, balances and weights, and automatic coin weighing machines in the British Industries Fair catalogue. In 1925 the firm became part of the Avery group of companies, which acquired Stanton Instruments in 1968 and about two years later Stantons merged into L. Oertling Ltd.

Joseph Long has been mentioned by some sources as the author of this book, written for the proprietor of L. Oertling Ltd.

Significance

The book has been recognised as being culturally important as a basis for our current civilization. It was of great importance to the Board of Revenue for the collectors of taxes and duties Customs Offices, and used in the calculation of alcohol levels in wine and spirits.

Physical description

Reference book, hardcover, burgundy with gold text and lines. Cloth cover with embossed design.
Title: Tables for Ascertaining The Strength of Spirits for ascertaining the strengths of spirits with Sike's Hydrometer;
Compiled for L. Oetlihg, by appointment, sole manufacturer of Hydrometers & Saccharometers to the Board of Inland Revenue. [some sources say the author is Joseph Long]
Published in Turnmill Street, London, near Farringdon Street Station
Printer: Printed in London, England by George Berridge and Co, Eastcheap Works, EC