surface thermopile

Datecirca 1930

Inventory Number1998-1-0119

ClassificationThermopile

Subject

Maker Kipp & Zonen 1866-present

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Dimensions10.5 × 9.5 × 17 cm (4 1/8 × 3 3/4 × 6 11/16 in.)

Material

DescriptionThis instrument consists of thermocouples housed in the cylindrical box fixed on top of the stand. Two binding posts at the back of the box were used to link this instrument to a galvanometer. A radiation cone is attached on the front, focusing heat radiation on the thermocouples. The thermopile can be rotated on the circular base.

Black handwriting on a painted orange backgroung has been added from the chemistry lab at Harvard, where it was used: "E1113 / C.R.F. / G.S.F. G.B.K."

Signedon back: KIPP / DELFT Holland / D.R.P. 325164

Curatorial RemarksAccording to the company's website, Kipp started producing thermopiles and galvanometers in 1913: "In this year another man from Utrecht brings a new impulse to the firm. Dr. W.J.H. Moll, a scientist at Utrecht University, contacts Kipp & Zonen to show him some innovations; a sensitive mirror galvanometer and a rapid sensitive thermopile. Mr. Ankersmit is impressed and starts the production of both instruments, which eventually leads to a complete new product range of scientific instruments." For this information, go to the following <a href="http://www.kippzonen.com/?page/37172/History.aspx" target="_blank">website</a>.

FunctionThis instrument is used to measure the difference of temperature of radiating sources, light included. The radiation entering the cone heats up the thermocouples found at the back, which produce a small electrical current. The latter is transmitted to a galvanometer that measures it. From this quantitative number, the amount of radiation can be derived.

For a general discussion of such an instrument, go to the following website.

ProvenanceTransferred to CHSI from the Department of Chemistry, Harvard University, November 1980.

Historical AttributesWas apparently bought for George B. Kistiakowsky and George S. Forbes, both chemistry professors at Harvard.