David Brewster, creator of Brewster's Law, patented this device in 1817. It consisted of a long, hollow tube containing two glass mirrors running along the length of the tube and separated from each other at an angle of 60 degrees. Where mirrors...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.)
The Kinnersley's Thermometer was an apparatus designed to demonstrate the heating power of an electric spark by showing the expansion of air when an electric spark is passed through it.
The Kinnersley's Thermometer was an apparatus designed to demonstrate the heating power of an electric spark by showing the expansion of air when an electric spark is passed through it. Physical Description: Glass tube with brass base and top,...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.)
This device is for measuring differences in temperature and was named for British natural philosopher John Leslie. It is considerably more sensitive than a standard thermometer.
This device is for measuring differences in temperature and was named for British natural philosopher John Leslie. It is considerably more sensitive than a standard thermometer. Physical Description: Wooden pedestal base, ivory-colored face,...
Buildings; Los Gatos (Calif.); People; Postcards; Santa Clara County (Calif.)--History; Transportation; Trolley cars; Urban life;
Artist's rendition of downtown Los Gatos in the early 20th century. Written on the back of the photograph, "San Jose's First Antique Show. San Jose Woman's Club, 75 South Eleventh St. Sept. 22, 23, 24, 1950. 12:30 to 10:00 p.m. Sponsored by...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.); Electric discharges; X-ray tubes;
This instrument appears to be an early type of vacuum discharge tube or x-ray tube. The glass tube contains metal electrodes that have been sealed and from which the air has been removed by a vacuum system.
Electric discharges; X-ray tubes; Scientific apparatus and instruments
This instrument appears to be an early type of vacuum discharge tube or x-ray tube. The glass tube contains metal electrodes that have been sealed and from which the air has been removed by a vacuum system. Physical Description: Glass bulb with...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.)
A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of a liquid relative to water. Nicolson's hydrometer differs from other hydrometers in being totally submerged in use.
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.); Piezometer
The Oersted Piezometer was used to determine the coefficient of the compressibility of liquids. Gases would have been pumped into the chamber through the funnel at the top. The pressure of the gases would have been measured via the water barometer...
The Oersted Piezometer was used to determine the coefficient of the compressibility of liquids. Gases would have been pumped into the chamber through the funnel at the top. The pressure of the gases would have been measured via the water barometer...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.)
This instrument allowed water to be heated to a temperature higher than boiling point at atmospheric pressure, resulting in considerably high pressure inside. Papin designed a model of a digester in 1680 that allowed a piston inside a cylinder to...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Steam engines
The Eolypile (or aeolipile) is a metal sphere attached to a chariot half-filled with water and nested up to allow steam to build up. The steam is then allowed to escape in a jet making the chariot move. Physical Description: Brass 'cart' with three...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.)
The Eolypile is a metal sphere attached to a chariot half-filled with water and nested up to allow steam to build up. The steam is then allowed to escape in a jet making the chariot move.
