pyrometer
Date1815-1832
Inventory Number1998-1-0255
ClassificationPyrometer
Subject
Maker
Pixii
fl. 1818 - 1855
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions21.5 × 55 × 13 cm (8 7/16 × 21 5/8 × 5 1/8 in.)
Material
Bibliography
DescriptionThe base, of which two feet are missing, is made of wood. On one end is attached a quadrant divided in degrees from 0 to 90. A needle, shaped like an elongate spade, moves over the scale. It is linked via a lever mechanism to a horizontal rod fixed at the other end of the base. The thumb screw was used to calibrate the needle so it pointed to zero before the experiment began.
Underneath the rod there is a vessel which was used to produce a fire that would have heated the rod. Charred pieces of cords are still inside, though it was most likely fueled by alcohol. A handle was used to close the vessel, which would have extinguished the fire.
Underneath the rod there is a vessel which was used to produce a fire that would have heated the rod. Charred pieces of cords are still inside, though it was most likely fueled by alcohol. A handle was used to close the vessel, which would have extinguished the fire.
Signedon quadrant: Pixii à Paris
Curatorial RemarksThis type of pyrometer is mentioned in Pixii père et fils 1835 trade catalogue.
FunctionThis demonstration apparatus was used to measure the relative expansion of metals when heated. This one used alcohol as fuel. The test rod was exchangeable so various types of metals could be compared. As the metal is heated it expands, moving the needle on the graduated quadrant. The more a metal expands, the higher the reading in degrees will be. As the metal cooled off after the experiment, the needle was slowly coming down again.
For a similar example, see the following website.
For a similar example, see the following website.
ProvenanceMallinckrodt Chemical Laboratory, Harvard University; transferred to CHSI January 11, 1949.
Leeds & Northrup Company
Date: 1940-1950
Accessories: carrying case
Object number: 2001-1-0021
Alnor Instrument Company
Date: 1930-1940
Accessories: thermocouples (2); arm; mercury thermometer
Object number: 2002-1-0031
Pyrometer Instrument Company
Date: 1940-1950
Accessories: case
Object number: 1998-1-1646
J. D. Edwards
Date: circa 1835
Object number: 1998-1-1439
