spectroscope
Date1840-1870
Inventory Number2014
ClassificationSpectroscope
Subject
Maker
French
User
Department of Geology and Geography, Harvard University
1890 - 1961
Cultural Region
Dimensions30 × 27 × 27 cm (11 13/16 × 10 5/8 × 10 5/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis instrument is made of two optical tube: the one on the left side of the picture as a slit and condenses light coming from a gas or arc light source onto the specimen fixed in the center of the instrument. The eyepiece on the right side would be used to observe the spectra generated by the specimen. The specimen holder in the center and the eyepiece rotate on a 360 degree scale engraved on the rim of the brass horizontal support. They both have a vernier and micrometric screw for precision positioning. The optical tube with slit is fixed, though can be vertically tilted. The instrument is supported by a base mounted on a ball-and-socket joint so the instrument can be easily positioned in space.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksThis instrument could be easily attributed to Soleil, Jules Duboscq or perhaps to their successors later in the nineteenth century.
FunctionAn aid in chemical analysis where light coming from a substance is observed to determine its chemical composition. The instrument decomposes the light going through it in fine color lines, called spectral lines. The overall pattern, called the spectrum, is specific to each element. It is its signature. By analyzing the spectrum produced by such an instrument, one can determine the exact composition of an unknown substance.
This could be an example of a special type of spectroscope invented by Mascart. For such an instrument, see the Pellin catalogue at the following website.
This could be an example of a special type of spectroscope invented by Mascart. For such an instrument, see the Pellin catalogue at the following website.
ProvenanceFromt the Department of Geology and Geography, Harvard University.
Carl Zeiss Jena
Date: circa 1910
Object number: 1991-1-0004
Bausch & Lomb Optical Company
Date: circa 1949
Accessories: B & L objectives (2): 32 mm, 48 mm; ocular 10x; objective can in cardboard box
Object number: 1997-1-0313
Charles-Louis Chevalier
Date: circa 1833
Accessories: 1 convertible objective, unmarked; 2 oculars; bull's eye condenser on jointed arm; 4 prepared slides, 3 glass slides; wrapped paper with pityriasis versicolor; specimen list on a card; flat case in form of sliding drawer; key.
Object number: 1071a
Alvan Clark and Sons
Date: 1878
Accessories: dust cap; mount
Object number: 1997-1-0029a
George Adams (I)
Date: circa 1770
Accessories: objective (8); objective (3) with Lieberkühns; eyepiece (2); eye shade; lens to make the stand a simple aquatic microscope; hand lens; insert (7) for stage; insect box; spring clamp (2); narrow ivory slider (11); narrow ebony slider (9); wide wooden slider (6); ivory box (2) for mica covers; specialized tweezer (4); ivory handled dissection tool (3); flexible arm for holding a magnifying lens; small articulated bull's eye to fit on stage; special four-position slider for quick mounting of small specimens; lens of ~45 mm diameter
Object number: 2002-1-0047
Nachet et Fils (I)
Date: 1862-1872
Accessories: 3 Objectives; 2 oculars; substage mirror with mounting screw lost; 1 prepared slide
Object number: 1030
Ernst Leitz (company)
Date: circa 1937
Accessories: standard eyepieces (3): 8X P, Periplan. OK 10X, and Periplan. Ok. 25X; wide eyepieces (3): 1, 1, 8X, 10X; objectives (4) in fitted case: 1b 4.3X, 3 10X, P7 62X, P 1/12 oel; waveplates (2); condenser with polarizer; mechanical stage; loupe 6x; box of cover glasses; standing case; key; objective adaptors (4); and watch keys (2)
Object number: 1999-1-0020a