double thermopile
Date1880-1910
Inventory Number1998-1-0120
ClassificationThermopile
Subject
Maker
French
?
Cultural Region
Dimensions18.6 × 19.5 × 7.2 cm (7 5/16 × 7 11/16 × 2 13/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis instrument consists of thermocouples housed at each end of the cylindrical box fixed on top of the stand. Binding posts, one on each side of the box, were used to link this instrument to a galvanometer. Two radiation cones are attached, focusing heat radiation on the thermocouples. The thermopile can be rotated on the circular base.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis instrument is used to measure the difference of temperature of radiating sources, light included. The radiation entering from one or both ends of the instrument heats up the thermocouples, 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.
For a general discussion of such an instrument, go to the following website.
