electromagnetic tuning fork
Datecirca 1889
Inventory Number1997-1-0882
ClassificationTuning Fork
Subject
Maker
Rudolph Koenig
1832 - 1901
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions12 x 23 x 11 cm (4 3/4 x 9 1/16 x 4 5/16 in.)
Material
Bibliography
DescriptionThis instrument is made of a steel tuning fork mounted on a mahogany base. The fork is driven by four electromagnets. An electric current puts the similar fork in motion. In this model, however, instead of having to use fine platinum wires and mercury glass cups to control the flow of electricity (see #1997-1-0884), a set of two switches were added on the base of the instrument. Each switch controls a pair of electromagnetic coils. The fork vibrates in the first harmonic of the fundamental frequency, or UT3, which is equivalent to 512 VS (vibrations simples). The original price for this instrument was 100 FF. This is the only Koenig electromagnetic tuning fork in the CHSI that has four coils.
In Collection(s)
Signedon base: RUDOLPH KOENIG A PARIS
Inscribedon fork: UT3 / 512 / RK
on base, on glued paper: 21-8-2
on base, engraved: 23-23
FunctionCommon in acoustical or psychological experiments of sound perception, tuning forks are used to ascertain the variation of sound pitches. A tuning fork resonates at a specific constant pitch when set vibrating by striking it against a surface or with an object (or in this case by electricity). The pitch generated by a particular tuning fork depends on the length of the two prongs, with two nodes near the bend of the usually U-shaped instrument.
Rudolph Koenig
Date: circa 1889
Object number: 1997-1-0884
Rudolph Koenig
Date: circa 1865
Object number: 1997-1-0892g
Louis Jules Duboscq
Date: circa 1870
Object number: 1997-1-0929
Louis Jules Duboscq
Date: circa 1870
Object number: 1997-1-0930
Rudolph Koenig
Date: circa 1865
Object number: 1997-1-0892d
Rudolph Koenig
Date: circa 1865
Object number: 1997-1-0892c
Rudolph Koenig
Date: circa 1865
Object number: 1997-1-0892f