standard cell
Datecirca 1959
Inventory Number0443
ClassificationStandard Cell
Subject
User
Department of Physics, Harvard University
founded 1884
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions13.2 × 10.5 × 10.5 cm (5 3/16 × 4 1/8 × 4 1/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionThe base of this device is a thick square with rounded edges. From the back of the square, a vertical rectangular box (also with rounded edges) emerges. The top of the box features the nameplate. Tied to this box (twice) is an H-shaped glass tube. Running down the length of each 'leg' of the tube is a thin wire; partway down the length of the tube it becomes encased in a thicker insulating material. In front of the glass tube, on the square base, are two binding posts. The left is labeled '+' and the right is labeled '-'.
Signedon nameplate: THE EPPLEY LABORATORY, INC. / NEWPORT, R. I. / CAT. NO. 100 MADE IN U.S.A.
Inscribedon nameplate: STANDARD CELL / LOW TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT FORM OF / THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD OF E. M. F. / NO. 129787 / INTERNAL RESISTANCE NOT OVER 500 OHMS
FunctionThe standard cell is used as a reference voltage when measuring electrical bridges with a potentiometer. According to the markings of a panel, the standard voltage of this cell is 1.01837 volts.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Lyman Laboratory, Harvard University.
Department of Physics, Harvard University
Date: 1930-1940
Accessories: bakelite case
Object number: 0448
Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University
Date: circa 1940
Object number: 1997-1-0229
Sanborn Company
Date: 1930-1945
Accessories: leather cover; cloth cover; thin red wire
Object number: 1996-1-0278
Walter Balcke
Date: 1955
Accessories: mahogany box with plexiglass lid; pencil; eraser; box of lead; putty ball; cleaning cloth; cardboard instruction card
Object number: 1997-1-1619
Hammond Typewriter Company
Date: circa 1923
Accessories: four Hammond type shuttles for different type faces, each with a wooden storage box; four laminated paper rectangles with symbol placement guide; instruction book, instruction sheets, advertisements, and correspondence (in object file)
Object number: 1996-1-0373
