Maudslay's micrometer

I recently wrote about my sadness at the end of an era, the loss of our department’s mechanical workshop. If not always the speediest, it was invaluable in many ways. In a slightly mournful mood, I went to the basement for a last look at the drills, lathes and mills, and to chat with the remaining technician, now charged with managing the closure.

As we talked, my eye fell on a wooden box containing a beautiful micrometer.