tin metal sample: one "gram-atom"
Datecirca 1900
Inventory Number3945
ClassificationMetal Sample
Subject
Owner
Theodore William Richards
1868 - 1928
Cultural Region
Place of Use
Dimensions0.9 x 16.7 x 0.9 cm (3/8 x 6 9/16 x 3/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriesold tag
DescriptionSquare rod of tin (dull metal).
Signedunsigned
Inscribedon tag: 1 gram atom of Tin (118.9 grams) Specific Heat 0.055 Atomic Heat 6.5 (that is 118.8 x 0.055); written in pencil on bar: Sn
FunctionFrom the Oxford English Dictionary 2nd edition: "Tin: One of the well-known metals, nearly approaching silver in whiteness and lustre, highly malleable and taking a high polish; used in the manufacture of articles of block tin, in the formation of alloys, as bronze, pewter, etc., and, on account of its resistance to oxidation, for making tin-plate and lining culinary and other iron vessels. Tin is rarely if ever found native, but occurs in two ores, the dioxide, SnO2, called tin-stone or cassiterite, and, less commonly, in tin-pyrites or sulphide of tin, SnS2. Chemically it is a dyad metallic element, symbol Sn (stannum), atomic weight (O = 16) 119 (Internat. Committee in Jrnl. Chem. Soc. Sept. 1912, 1832); sp. gr. about 7.3. In Alchemy represented by the same sign as the planet Jupiter.
ProvenanceWilliam Th. Richards, son of Theodore William Richards, Harvard University.
Historical AttributesNotecard in drawer where instruments found: "All the instruments and specimens in these boxes are the property of Wm. T. Richards the gift of his father (T.W.R.) [Theodore W. Richards]. They are historically valuble. Jan 1928. W.T.R. Says for museum."
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: old tag
Object number: 3944
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: old tag
Object number: 3946
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: old tag
Object number: 3947
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories:
one of three bars contained in box: 4936 bismuth sample [?], 4937 copper sample, 4938 lead sample.
Object number: 4936
Theodore William Richards
Date: 1925
Accessories: one of three bars contained in box: 4936 bismuth sample [?], 4937 copper sample, 4938 lead sample.
Object number: 4938
Theodore William Richards
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: one of three bars contained in box: 4936 bismuth sample [?], 4937 copper sample, 4938 lead sample.
Object number: 4937
