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Hand Boiler
Hand Boiler

Hand Boiler

Dateearly 20th Century
Inventory Number1997-1-2043
ClassificationGlassware
Subject
    Cultural Region
      Dimensions3 x 21.6 x 4.8 cm (1 3/16 x 8 1/2 x 1 7/8 in.)
      AccessoriesLiquid inside tube may be ether
      DescriptionA long, closed vessel consisting of two spherical glass bulbs connected together by a long straight glass tube. The two bulbs are connected at an angle to the tube.

      It is partially filled with a clear, slightly yellow liquid, perhaps ether.

      Its two bulbs are different: one has a noticeable spike, the other does not and has an irregular shape.
      Signedunsigned
      FunctionHand boilers are filled with a volatile liquid and respond to temperature differences between the two bulbs. The liquid and its vapors flow away from the hotter bulb, bubbling inside the receiving bulb.
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