N. S. Heineken
Rev. Nicholas Samuel Heineken of Sidmouth
Born c.1796. Died c.1881
Married Emma Catherine, daughter of Rev. Matthew Lee Yeates. She died on 12th Nov 1831, age 24. [1]
Heineken was an amateur scientist, inventor and antiquarian, with a broad range of interests, which included archaeology, astronomy, meteorology, and mechanics.
Heineken made a sophisticated ornamental turning late (rose engine, or medallion lathe). In c.1955 it came to light at a farm sale, and was featured in an article in the Model Engineer. Its headstock was marked 'N. S. Heineken, fecit 1832'. A hand tool, used for screwcutting, was marked 'N. S. Heineken, Fect. et Invt. 1825'.[2]
The lathe was described in the Polytechnisches Journal in 1836, the article being based on one from the Mechanics' Magazine, No. 674.[3]
Heineken was a frequent correspondent to technical journals. In one letter in 1836 he described his 'Machine for cutting correct screws'[4]. A similar item appears in a photograph in the Model Engineer article, and is no doubt the 1825 tool referred to.
Heineken presented a historically important mural quadrant made by Abraham Sharp to the Royal Observatory. 'The rim is of brass, and when rescued by Mr. Heineken from a tinman was about to be transformed into kettles'.[5]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ [1] 'A History of the Presbyterian and General Baptist Churches in the West of England' by Sir Jerom Murch, 1835
- ↑ The Model Engineer, 20 October 1955, article 'Is This Lathe Unique' by W. J. Hughes
- ↑ [2] Polytechnisches Journal, 1836: 'Beschreibung einer Art von Drehbank zur Verfertigung von Medaillen. Von Hrn. N. S. Heineken in Sidmouth im Devonshire'
- ↑ [3] The Mechanics' Magazine, Museum, Register, Journal, and Gazette, Volume 25, p.377: Letter from Heineken describing and illustrating his 'Machine for cutting correct screws'.
- ↑ [4] 'Notes on some Historical Instruments at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich' by T. Lewis. Journal: The Observatory, Vol. 13, p. 200-206 (1890)