demonstration galvanometer
Datecirca 1930
Inventory Number2002-1-0002
ClassificationGalvanometer
Subject
Maker
Central Scientific Company
1889 - 2000
User
Department of Physics, Harvard University
founded 1884
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions35.7 × 26 × 26 cm (14 1/16 × 10 1/4 × 10 1/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionOversized galvanometer with large paper scale for classroom use. The scale encircles an arched iron bar. There is one scale that can be read by the instructor and one scale for students on the other side, and a patented device zeros the pointer without having to lift the shade (missing). A large horseshoe magnet is mounted below the scales on a round wooden base with two brass binding posts and three brass leveling screws. The base has a circular groove to seat a glass dome (missing).
Signedon metal plaque on base: CENTRAL SCIENTIFIC CO. / LABORATORY SUPPLIES / APPARATUS CHEMICALS / CHICAGO, U.S.A.
FunctionThis galvanometer was used for classroom demonstration to measure electric currents. A compass needle is pivoted in the middle of a coil. Passing a current through the coil exerts a torque on the needle, which then aligns itself with the resulting magnetic field.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Harvard University.
Scientific Prototype Manufacturing Corporation
Date: 1960
Accessories: manual: <i>Laboratory Studies in the Analysis of Behavior</i> by Homme and Klaus (1957)
Object number: 2008-1-0003
Central Scientific Company
Date: c. 1910
Accessories: oscillation demonstration apparatus (RS0328); suspension stand (RS0328a); four balls (RS0328c); lead weight (RS0328d).
Object number: RS0328b
Central Scientific Company
Date: circa 1925
Accessories: steel cap; spare torsion wire; glass circular bowls (2); platinum ring seems to be missing; case
Object number: 1995-1-0011
Henri G. Galeotti
Date: 1830-1858
Object number: 1998-1-1450
Japanese
Date: 1850
Accessories: Metal gourd attached to chain attached by cord to the dial assembly.
Object number: 7970
Central Scientific Company
Date: c. 1910
Accessories: suspension stand (RS0328a); degree scale (RS0328b); four balls (RS0328c); lead weight (RS0328d).
Object number: RS0328
