liquid prism
Datecirca 1920
Inventory Number1996-1-0604
ClassificationPrism
Subject
Maker
American
Cultural Region
Dimensionsprism: 4 × 5 × 4 cm (1 9/16 × 1 15/16 × 1 9/16 in.)
case: 8.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm (3 3/8 x 2 9/16 x 2 9/16 in.)
box: 8.9 × 18.4 × 13.3 cm (3 1/2 × 7 1/4 × 5 1/4 in.)
case: 8.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm (3 3/8 x 2 9/16 x 2 9/16 in.)
box: 8.9 × 18.4 × 13.3 cm (3 1/2 × 7 1/4 × 5 1/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionA glass container shaped as a triangle. A small hole on the top is used to fill it with a liquid substance. The stopper is missing. This liquid prism is stored in a cylindrical wooden case.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis piece of glass is made to receive water or any other type of liquid substance. When light passes through this object, it is refracted and produces a spectrum which depends on the type of liquid poured in.
Alvan Clark and Sons
Date: circa 1875
Object number: 2007-1-0029
Jean Baptiste François Soleil
Date: 1840-1850
Object number: 1998-1-1227
Nicolas Marie Paymal Lerebours
Date: 1830-1845
Object number: 1997-1-1681
C. F. Casella & Co. Ltd.
Date: circa 1920
Accessories: leather carrying case; long leather strap with brass loop at end
Object number: 5100
American
Date: 1920-1950
Object number: 1997-1-0050a
American
Date: 1920-1950
Object number: 1997-1-0050b
