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Harvard trip scale
Harvard trip scale

Harvard trip scale

Date1890-1920
Inventory Number1998-1-0212
ClassificationBalance
Subject
    Maker E. and T. Fairbanks and Co. 1824-present
    Cultural Region
      Place of Origin
        Dimensions14 x 37.2 x 16.8 cm (5 1/2 x 14 5/8 x 6 5/8 in.)
        Material
          DescriptionA cast iron balance with square porcelain trays that are held above the beam. The balance is completely symmetrical with a central column that pivots the beam, which is a heavy cast iron piece with curved arches and which in addition to holding the trays, extends downwards below each tray and into a well-like opening on the base of the balance. The beam also has attached a smaller straight indented beam in front that has a hanging weight.

          The balance is painted black with parts painted red and gold especially on the base. The left plate is marked "1396"; the underside right plate is marked "1360"; the underside frame is marked "150634".
          Signedpainted on each tray, and painted in gold and in raised letters on base on each side: FAIRBANKS
          FunctionHarvard Trip balances are mostly used when one intends to compare the weight of two objects rather than find an absolute weight. The balance is symmetrical as both trays will hold an object and not just standard weights. One would place the objects to be compared on each tray and balance the system by sliding the weight on the indented beam, which would measure the difference in weight between the two. The two openings on the base into which parts of the beam enter are probably dampers.
          ProvenanceFrom the Jefferson Physics Laboratory, Harvard University. December 1966.
          Harvard trip scale
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          Date: circa 1897
          Object number: 1998-1-0211
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          Object number: 1996-1-0264
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          Date: 1800-1850
          Object number: 3823
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          L. E. Knott Apparatus Company
          Date: 1910-1920
          Accessories: steel weight trays (2)
          Object number: 2004-1-0305
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          Keller Manufacturing Company
          Date: 1900-1920
          Accessories: two tweezers; a small box of fractional weights; two colored carboard boxes; a small metallic case; four small cylindrical boxes; a convex circular piece of glass
          Object number: 2004-1-0332