The first attempt to measure the value of the Gravitational Constant (as well as the Earth's mass; each would lead to the other given what was known at the time) was done by measuring the gravitational pull of a mountain. A site somewhere in Scotland was chosen, if I recall correctly from the book "A short history of nearly everything." It took years to map out the geometry of the mountain, and the answer was still way off because no one knew how to measure the density of the mountain, and basically had to just guess it.
Cavendish's torsion idea was the key, and it made it possible to dramatically reduce the masses required. The value derived from his experiments is within 1% of the modern value (rather amazingly.)
Cavendish was a very interesting character. Actually, most people who did science in the 18th century seem to have been eccentrics, come to think of it.
Cavendish's torsion idea was the key, and it made it possible to dramatically reduce the masses required. The value derived from his experiments is within 1% of the modern value (rather amazingly.)
Cavendish was a very interesting character. Actually, most people who did science in the 18th century seem to have been eccentrics, come to think of it.