spectral analysis tube
Date1890-1920
Inventory Number4858
ClassificationDischarge Tube
Subject
Maker
American
?
Owner
Theodore William Richards
1868 - 1928
Cultural Region
Dimensions7.5 x 38.5 x 7.5 cm (2 15/16 x 15 3/16 x 2 15/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionSpectrum tube consisting of two chambers connected to each other by a very narrow tube with a capillary. One of the chambers is composed by a sphere with a needle-like electrode, a thin side tube that makes a turn and blocked at the end, and a cylindrical neck that connects to the narrow tube between the chambers. The other chamber is cylindrical, with a thin, side tube perpendicular to it that is blocked at its end, and another tube extending outward at its end that also extends mid-way into the chamber to about the section where the perpendicular side tube is attached. This tube contains solid granules, and has an electrode attached at its outer end.
The tube is yellowed in several places, with the strongest coloration close to the granules and on the necks at either side of the capillary that connects both chambers.
The tube is yellowed in several places, with the strongest coloration close to the granules and on the necks at either side of the capillary that connects both chambers.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis is a tube for spectral analysis of chemical samples that has been prepared with a mineral sample. It has been evacuated, partially filled with a gas, as well as a ground sample of the substance to be determined which was inserted through the tube at the end of the cylindrical chamber. The tube was sealed by melting the narrow side tubes, and an electrode was placed in the cylindrical chamber close to the sample.
When connected to a voltage source, the tube will produce light with the spectrum of the gas present in the tube but also the vapors of the substance heated by the current coming from the electrode. The spectrum of the unknown substance can then be registered with a spectroscope or similar device.
See instruments 4857 and 4859 for similar tubes, one unused and the other used.
When connected to a voltage source, the tube will produce light with the spectrum of the gas present in the tube but also the vapors of the substance heated by the current coming from the electrode. The spectrum of the unknown substance can then be registered with a spectroscope or similar device.
See instruments 4857 and 4859 for similar tubes, one unused and the other used.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Chemistry, Professor T. W. Richards, Harvard University.
