linear thermopile
Date1890-1910
Inventory Number1997-1-1591
ClassificationThermopile
Subject
Maker
Elliott Brothers
1853 - 1916
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions43 × 22.5 × 10.2 cm (16 15/16 × 8 7/8 × 4 in.)
Material
DescriptionA large metallic square painted white originally (very flaky) serves as a screen. Behind is a small chamber containing thermocouples. This chamber is linked with wires to the base and two binding posts. The base is circular and weighted in lead. It is a telescoping stand.
Signedon base: Elliott Bro's / 449 Strand / London
FunctionThis instrument is used to measure the difference of temperature of radiating sources, light included. The radiation entering the slit heats up the couples, 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.
