Proof Spirit

By Caitlin

The most interesting thing at Lang Pioneer Village is that visitors are able to compare and contrast their lives and the technology we all live with, to the technology and ways of life during the 1800s. An artifact that I found to be interesting was an instrument used to measure alcohol levels in drinks. This instrument was a small round, wooden box filled with small glass beads of different sizes. The lid of the box read, “If it be proof, the Bead will sink to the Bottom,” meaning that whichever bead sank to the bottom indicated the strength of the alcohol.

The “proof spirit” of alcohol is the standard amount of alcohol the beverage contains. During the 19th century, alcohol was considered to not only be a social crisis, but also one of the spirit so it’s safe to assume the standard would be much lower than it is today. The temperance movement happened during the Social Reform in the early 19th century where people everywhere stood against alcohol and drinking in general. They believed that sobriety would better the society; it would increase workplace productivity and decrease workplace injuries. That being said, knowing the strength and alcohol content of a drink would have been important during this time period.

Today, alcohol levels are measured by alcometers or vinometers. These measurement devices are long thin tubes that resemble needles or thermometers. It would be interesting to know how each instrument works, especially how the artifact would have worked and why it was that a certain bead would drop.  

Alcometer and vinometer

Technology has come a long way, that’s for sure!

Caitlin is a grade 10 student at Trinity College School and guest writer for the Museum.