Origin

     This particular Orrery was made by William Harris and Co. in London and was brought to Middlebury around 1804. An orrery such as this from a reputable maker like William Harris and Co. was not very easy to come by. This was definitely a delicate but important instrument which was used often and kept in very good condition by the school. In fact, despite peeling on the face of the disk, the orrery is still in working condition to this day and could be used to demonstrate relative motion and predict the positions of the planets as it was originally intended. This is incredible given the complexity of the gears and delicacy of the instrument. A clear testament to the quality of the device itself and to Middlebury for keeping it in such good condition.

     Although there is no written record, it is believed to have been donated around 1804 by Benjamin Silliman, who was a friend and classmate of Fredrick Hall’s at Yale. If this is the case than it was most likely obtained during his two-year exploration to Europe during which he brought back a slew scientific instruments, many of which ended up in this very collection. Other instruments in the Middlebury collection bear a similar engraving from William Harris and Co. including the peep sight alidade and the camera lucida. It seems as though Hall met with Harris during his trip and became fond of his equipment which was not currently available in America. Hall brought back many of his items to be used on his return in lectures and labs at Middlebury to enhance the quality of education