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galvanometer

Datecirca 1850
Inventory Number0115
ClassificationGalvanometer
Subject
    Maker Daniel Davis, Jr. 1813 - 1887
    Cultural Region
      Place of Origin
        Dimensions23.7 × 22.4 × 11.3 cm (9 5/16 × 8 13/16 × 4 7/16 in.)
        Material
          Bibliography
          DescriptionTwo pairs of galvanometer needles (missing) were originally suspended from the brass vertical posts, on the two arms, so that one needle of each pair was within (or over) a coil of either six or twelve turns. (The needle could also be pivoted from inside the coils, without having to be suspended.) The coils are also paired, painted green, and mounted on a mahogany base supported by four brass ball feet.

          Connections with a battery for each coil are made at the binding posts on each side of the base. This instrument allows comparison of the effect of the magnetic needle, placed within a coil of six turns, and within a coil of twelve turns. Both circuits could even be operated at the same time.

          This instrument has an old Harvard number stamped: "8-51".
          Signedunsigned
          Curatorial RemarksThis instrument is not described in any edition of Davis's books on magnetism.
          FunctionTo demonstrate how, by adding turns to a galvanometer coil, the angle of deflection of a magnetic needle is increased.
          ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Harvard University.
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