thermopile
Date1880-1910
Inventory Number1996-1-0595
ClassificationThermopile
Subject
Maker
French
Cultural Region
Dimensions19 × 19.5 × 7.7 cm (7 1/2 × 7 11/16 × 3 1/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis instrument consists of thermocouples housed at each end of the radiation cones fixed on the cylindrical housing on top of the stand. Binding posts, one on each side of the housing, were used to link this instrument to a galvanometer. The radiation cones focused heat radiation on the thermocouples. The thermopile can be rotated on the circular base.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis instrument is used to measure the difference of temperature of radiating sources, light included. The radiation entering the cone heats up the thermocouples found at the back, 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.
