UK, 1844: E. M. Clarke Catalogue; Pound Standard (in Platinum)

Catalogue published in 1841; addendum to 1844 book

Citation: Elements of Agricultural Chemistry; Sir Humphry Davy, John Shier (1844)



 














Weights:




Spongy Platinum Wick












List of Prices of Mathematical, Philosophical, Optical and chemical Instruments and Apparatus Manaufactured By Edward M. Clarke No. 428 Strand, London. Published by Taylor & Walton.  82 pp. Hand-dated by Francis Peabody Oct. 31, 1844.

Platinum was reportedly rising, and listed Pt prices were probably from 1843.

p. 47, under 'Chemicals': 

1844: 1 Troy Oz. Iridium ("Native" ore?)  = £ 0.50 (USD$ 2.43)

1843: 1 Troy Oz. Platinum (semi-mfg, whols.)  = £ 1.50 (USD$ 7.19)

p. 58, under 'Voltaic Electricity':

"Grove's Platina Battery, in glass boxes or jars same size as No. 17... [£ 0.80]"

"Six Grove's Battery in a mahogany Stand, with two binding screws and two mercury cap connections. Batteries size of No. 17.... [£ 4.80]"

"Ditto, Size of No. 18...[£ 6.]"
"Mahogany stand, 12, No. 17...[£ 9.]"

p.59:
"Pair of Platinum Plates, on glass pillars, for the decomposition of the alkalies...[£ 1.5] - [£ 3.15] 
 

November 23, 1844: 1 Months' passage from the West Indies (see 1844 Forex)

Assuming no coin premium, no freight/packing charge, the West Indies-UK cost for $1,620 Specie would be $1,638.  (88 Ozt Gold Coin @ C$18.391/Ozt)

Assuming 75 Ozt gold ore purchased at Choco for C$ 15.45, the initial West Indies-UK cost for $1,159 Gold dust would be $1,172.  (@ Fine @C$15.45/Ozt)

Assuming 75 Ozt gold ore purchased at Cartagena £ 261.16/$1,305.75, the West Indies-UK transport cost for Gold dust @ .999 Fine Au would be £ 288.25/$1,441 * 1.125% = £ 291.5/$1,457 ( .999 @ £ 3.8862/Ozt ~ C$ 19.43)

Assuming platina at C$ 3.457, the West Indies-UK cost for $1,1379 /£ 275.8  platina would be $1,395./£ 279  (399 Ozt 75% platina ore @C$ 3.457/Ozt = £ 0.6914/Ozt)  
∴ ~ C$ 4.66/Ozt or £ 0.932/Ozt. 999 Pt

The Clyde brings home 18 passengers, and on freight 1,620 dollars, L.18 British money, 75 ounces gold dust, 599 ounces silver, 399 ounces platina.


 
Platinum Standard Weights: