bi-metallic coiled thermometer
Date1885-1920
Inventory Number1997-1-1277
ClassificationThermometer
Subject
Maker
Standard Thermometer Company
fl. 1880 - 1920
Seller
E. and T. Fairbanks and Co.
1824-present
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions4.5 x 17.5 cm (1 3/4 x 6 7/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionA thermometer consisting of a round panel with a scale that goes from -40 to 150 Fahrenheits increasing clockwise, atop which rotates a needle with a long end that reaches the numbers and a shorter end in the shape of a crescent. On the backside of the instrument is a coiled metal strip connected to the needle mechanism.
There is an oval paper label stuck to bottom frame that reads: "8-9-34". "H5" in white paint at top just below ring hanger. The info on white tag mentions that H-5 equals Heat - 5th shelf of preparation cabinets from Jeff[erson] prep 3/13/67.
There is an oval paper label stuck to bottom frame that reads: "8-9-34". "H5" in white paint at top just below ring hanger. The info on white tag mentions that H-5 equals Heat - 5th shelf of preparation cabinets from Jeff[erson] prep 3/13/67.
Signedon dial: Manufactured for / FAIRBANKS & CO. / by the / STANDARD THERMOMETER CO. / PEABODY, MASS. / PATENTED 10 NOV. 1885
FunctionMeasures air temperature. Its mechanism makes use of the fact that metals expand differently with an increase in temperature. Two parallel strips of different metals glued (or welded) together will curl up to compensate for the differing expansion caused by a change in temperature, and this differing curl is what drives the thermometer's needle.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Harvard University.
Eimer & Amend
Date: circa 1922
Accessories: set-up instructions; weights; corked glass viles; tweezer; magnifying glass
Object number: 1996-1-0207
Nurnberg Thermometer Company
Date: 1920-1970
Accessories: black cardboard case
Object number: 1998-1-0227
Nurnberg Thermometer Company
Date: 1920-1940
Accessories: black cardboard case
Object number: 2008-1-0102
Nurnberg Thermometer Company
Date: 1920-1950
Accessories: wooden case
Object number: 1998-1-0346
American
Date: 1870-1930
Accessories: a 200 grams weight
Object number: 1998-1-0277
American Balance Corporation
Date: circa 1960
Accessories: brush; aluminum blocks
Object number: 1996-1-0204
