The Goniometer is an instrument for measuring the angles of crystals by observing the direction of a beam of light reflected from their face. The instrument was invented by W.H. Wollaston in 1807. Physical Description: Round brass base with black...
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...
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...
"This unique piece of apparatus uses Lissajous figures to show that the ratio of the frequency ratios in a diatonic scale are ratios of small numbers. On the side is an air-driven vibrating reed with a small mirror attached to its free end....
Electric discharges; Scientific apparatus and instruments
When connected to a power source, a bright electric spark would flash between the two ends of the two outer posts. The middle glass post is made of photo gray glass (yellow tinted glass), which would have glowed. This instrument is visible in early...
Galvanometer; Scientific apparatus and instruments
A galvanometer is an instrument used to measure the presence, direction, and strength of small electric currents in a conductor. A magnetic needle is deflected by the presence of an electric current in a nearby conductor. The needle turns at right...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Camera lucida;
An artist's aid for drawing, the camera Lucida was a portable device that was used to reproduce visual images on to paper. An adjustable prism mounted on the end of a supporting arm reflects the surrounding light and produces the image onto the...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Simple machines; Archimedean screw
A simple mechanical device credited to Archimedes. When the lower end of the screw is placed in water, turning the device raises water to the top. This principle has various applications for drainage and irrigation, but the instrument can also be...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.); Electric discharges;
When connected to a power source, a bright electric spark would flash between the two ends of the two outer posts. The middle glass post is made of photo gray glass (yellow tinted glass), which would have glowed. This instrument is visible in early...
Scientific apparatus and instruments; Santa Clara University (Calif.); Simple machines; Archimedean screw
A simple mechanical device credited to Archimedes. When the lower end of the screw is placed in water, turning the device raises water to the top. This principle has various applications for drainage and irrigation, but the instrument can also be...
