hygro-thermograph
Datecirca 1950
Inventory Number2024-1-0011
ClassificationHygro-Thermograph
Subject
Maker
Friez Instrument Division, Bendix Aviation Corporation
1941 - 1966
User
Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University
founded 1948
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Material
Accessoriespiece of chart paper
DescriptionA self-recording hygro-thermograph, which measures and records atmospheric temperature and relative humidity. The instrument is housed in a hinged, metal case coated in gray enamel. It has a metal handle and latch hook on top. The case has a glass window permitting a view of the chart in side. Apertures on the right side of the case expose the hair hygrometer and bimetallic thermometer to the air.
Inside the case, there is a rotating vertical drum made of brass. A large key in the top of the drum is used to wind it up. A paper chart is attached to the drum and divided into weekdays and hours. The top portion of the chart paper is for temperature; the bottom for humidity. Two pens are set to record on the paper and have left a trail of ink. Each pen is attached to a lever arm linked to the hygrometer and thermometer. A pen-lift consists of a vertical brass rod that can be shifted back and forth by means of a lever on the front face of the base.
A purple ink stain is on the floor of the instrument.
There is a parts label on the deck of the instrument inside the case. It reads:
CHART No. 502495
INK No. 504974-4
PEN No. 500400
MOD. No. 594
HAIR No. 502473-1
SER. No. 5224
Inside the case, there is a rotating vertical drum made of brass. A large key in the top of the drum is used to wind it up. A paper chart is attached to the drum and divided into weekdays and hours. The top portion of the chart paper is for temperature; the bottom for humidity. Two pens are set to record on the paper and have left a trail of ink. Each pen is attached to a lever arm linked to the hygrometer and thermometer. A pen-lift consists of a vertical brass rod that can be shifted back and forth by means of a lever on the front face of the base.
A purple ink stain is on the floor of the instrument.
There is a parts label on the deck of the instrument inside the case. It reads:
CHART No. 502495
INK No. 504974-4
PEN No. 500400
MOD. No. 594
HAIR No. 502473-1
SER. No. 5224
Signedlabel on case: HYGRO - THERMOGRAPH / RECORDING / RELATIVE HUMIDITY / AIR TEMPERATURE / MODEL 594 PART NO. AW-600054 / FRIEZ INSTRUMENT DIVISION / BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION / BALTIMORE MARYLAND
on parts label inside case on floor of instrument: BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATOIN / FRIEZ INSTRUMENT DIVISION / BALTIMORE, MARYLAND / U. S. A.
on calibration sticker on top of the case: Kennedy Instrument Service / 146 County Rd., Tewksbury, MA 01876 / 617-657-7265
Inscribedon calibration sticker on top of the case: Kennedy Instrument Service / 146 County Rd., Tewksbury, MA 01876 / 617-657-7265 / CALIBRATED BY J. Kennedy / DATE 2-19-83 NEXT 2-18-84 / CERTIFICATION Psychrom / Traceable to NBS
in ink alongside this paper sticker: 7-19-84 C.F. Fogg / 52392
ProvenanceCollection of Historical Scientific Instruments, 2024.
Historical AttributesThis hygro-thermograph was used in the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments until about 2010. It was accessioned in 2024.
Weathertronics
Date: circa 1960
Accessories: two inkbottles; 6 pens;1 package of charts (obtained from Robert E. White Instruments, Inc. Boston, Tel. 617- 742-3045)
Object number: 1999-1-0042
Feiber Instrument Company
Date: ca. 1930-1936
Object number: 1998-1-0873
Feiber Instrument Company
Date: ca. 1930-1936
Object number: 1998-1-0872a
Feiber Instrument Company
Date: mid 20th Century
Accessories: see Curatorial Remarks
Object number: 1998-1-0820
Davis & Son
Date: 1843-1873
Accessories: small metal key
Object number: 1998-1-0606
Richard Frères
Date: circa 1890
Accessories: 1 completed graph, 1 bottle of ink, ke, brass gear, leather carrying strap
Object number: 1998-1-1315
