Atmos Clock

An Atmos clock designed by famed Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre. Unlike traditional clocks which operate on electric power or by mechanically winding a mainspring, the Atmos powers itself on changes in the surrounding atmosphere.

The drum in the back of the clock contains a hermetically sealed bellows containing ethyl chloride. Ethyl chloride boils at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and even a one degree temperature increase is enough to create more gas and expand the bellows to power the clock for two days.

The Atmos clock was a gift from the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association on the occasion of the Court's 250th anniversary.

Chief Justice Maxey's 1950 Argument Journal

After hearing arguments on January 6, 1950, Justice Marion D. Patterson retired to the Consulation Room in Philadelphia and passed away.

Two months later, on March 20, Chief Justice George W. Maxey delivered a eulogy for Justice Patterson in Pittsburgh. The Court took a brief recess before calling the first argument that day. Chief Justice Maxey, still emotional from honoring his colleague, passed away in Pittsburgh's conference room.

This is Chief Justice Maxey's argument journal from that year.

Chief Justice Maxey (l) and Justice Patterson (r) sitting in the Pittsburgh courtroom.

January 1935 Argument Docket

Today, the Court sits six times a year for arguments in appeals over which it has nearly complete discretion in deciding in hearing.

In 1935, however, the Court lacked the discretion to decide more routine appeals without oral arguments. To clear the docket, the Court sat for nearly the entire month of January hearing oral arguments - mostly in Philadelphia.

Bench Artifacts

A brass bench lamp originally installed in the Pittsburgh courtroom and inkwells used during the twentieth century.