Steelyard

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London Steelyard 412

Droysens-28a

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Souvenir of the British Exhibit in the Hall of Nations IPA Leipzig, May-September, 1930 (05)

Arms of the Hanseatic League (c.1670)

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Hans Holbein der Jüngere - Der Kaufmann Georg Gisze - Google Art Project

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Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-8-1543) - A Merchant of the German Steelyard, 'Hans of Antwerp' - RCIN 404443 - Royal Collection

Steelyard is a type of balance scale that uses a lever principle to measure mass. Unlike the more common equal-arm balance scale, a steelyard has unequal arms, with a shorter arm bearing a counterweight and a longer arm holding the object to be weighed. This design allows for the weighing of heavier objects with less physical material needed for the scale itself, making the steelyard a valuable tool in various historical and contemporary contexts.

History

The origins of the steelyard can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of its use in Rome, ancient China, and the Islamic world. It was known as statera in Latin and dancheong in Chinese. The steelyard was an essential tool for merchants and traders, facilitating the trade of goods by weight across vast distances. Its simplicity and reliability contributed to its widespread use through the Middle Ages in Europe and its continued use in some parts of the world today.

Design and Operation

The basic design of a steelyard consists of a beam with a pivot at one end, known as the fulcrum. The beam is divided into two arms of unequal length. The shorter arm has a fixed counterweight, often made of metal, which is used to balance the weight of the object placed on the longer arm. The longer arm typically has a hook or platform where the object to be weighed is placed. Along the longer arm, there are graduated markings indicating the weight. As the object is placed on the arm, the counterweight is moved along the shorter arm until the beam reaches equilibrium. The position of the counterweight then indicates the mass of the object.

Applications

Historically, the steelyard was used for commercial transactions, in markets, and for the assessment of taxes and tolls based on the weight of goods. It was particularly useful for weighing bulky or heavy items that would be difficult to weigh with an equal-arm balance scale. In modern times, while electronic and more sophisticated scales have largely replaced the steelyard in commercial settings, it remains in use in some industries and regions where simplicity and durability are required. It is also seen in educational contexts as a demonstration of the principles of levers and mechanical advantage.

Cultural Significance

The steelyard has not only been a practical tool but also a symbol of fairness and justice in trade. Its presence in marketplaces and its use in transactions underscored the importance of equitable trade practices. In some cultures, the steelyard is featured in art and literature, symbolizing balance and fairness beyond the marketplace.

See Also

• Balance scale
• Lever
• Weighing scale
• History of measurement