heliostat
Datecirca 1860
Inventory Number1997-1-1589
ClassificationHeliostat
Subject
Maker
Moritz Meyerstein
1808 - 1882
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions23 x 15 x 11 cm (9 1/16 x 5 7/8 x 4 5/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThe top mirror can pivot on its axis in order to be set in the path of sunlight. Once fixed, the mirror turns on a long polar axis (which appears to be fixed) linked to a clock mechanism. A pointer and graduated circle indicate the mirror's angle. Two keys on chains were used to wind the mechanism. This system is set on a rectangular base supported by three leveling screws. A nail is in one of these.
Signedon base: M. MEYERSTEIN / GÖTTINGEN
Curatorial RemarksFor an 1860 pricelist from this maker, mentioning a heliotrop, see the following <a href="http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu//full/1860AN.....53..263M/0000139.000.html" target="_blank">website</a>.
FunctionThe heliostat is designed to reflect a beam of sunlight in a fixed direction, and uses a clockwork driven mirror to counteract the apparent motion of the sun through the sky. The resulting steady beam of sunlight would often be projected into a laboratory for experiments requiring intense light, physical optics studies, microscopy, analysis of the solar spectrum, etc.
Edward Kübel
Date: 1880-1895
Accessories: rods (3); pendulum bob; quadrant; wooden box
Object number: 1996-1-0536
Louis Jules Duboscq
Date: 1850-1880
Accessories: RAPPORT FAIT A L'ACADEMIE ROYAL SCIENCES SUR UN NOUVEL HELIOSTAT, Presente par M. SILBERMAN aine. (in instrument file folder)
Object number: 2000
Hammond Typewriter Company
Date: circa 1923
Accessories: four Hammond type shuttles for different type faces, each with a wooden storage box; four laminated paper rectangles with symbol placement guide; instruction book, instruction sheets, advertisements, and correspondence (in object file)
Object number: 1996-1-0373
James Short
Date: circa 1763
Accessories: split object glass micrometer; spare secondary mirror in tin box (0002b).
Object number: 0002
Adam Prazmowski
Date: circa 1877
Accessories: carrying case; winding key; instruction sheets
Object number: 1997-1-1701
W. Watson & Sons Ltd.
Date: circa 1885
Accessories: oculars (2 pairs): B and D; objectives in marked canisters (4): 1/4, 1/2, 1, 3 inches; condenser with iris diaphragm; rotating wheel diaphragm; iris diaphragm; set of 4 disk diaphragms in brass box; triple nosepiece; live box; prisms for Wenham binocular system (2); stage for simple microscope with rotating wheel diaphragm; vulcanite stage; spare knobs (2); parts box; case
Object number: 1249