Reflections on a Measurement of the Gravitational Constant Using a Beam Balance and 13 Tons of Mercury

In 2006, a final result of a measurement of the gravitational constant $G$ performed by researchers at the University of Z"urich was published. A value of $G=6.674,252(122)\times 10^{-11},\mbox{m}^3,\mbox{kg}^{-1},\mbox{s}^{-2}$ was obtained after an experimental effort that lasted over one decade. Here, we briefly summarize the measurement and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.