Hall-type kinesimeter
Datecirca 1893
Inventory NumberWJ0040
ClassificationKinesimeter
Subject
Maker
Adam Pfeifer
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions31.5 x 42 x 33.5 cm (12 3/8 x 16 9/16 x 13 3/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis instrument is made of a brass rectangular table supported by four legs. In the middle, there is a rectangular opening over which runs a small car. Its wheels fit into tracks on either side of the opening. At each end of the opening are grooved wheels, or pulleys, about which pass an endless string. The latter can be clamped to the side of the car so that when the pulleys are put in motion, the car moves on the tracks.
This small car consists of a square brass frame supported by four wheels. Joining the two sides of the frame are two crosspieces having between them a one centimeter space. Within that space, and sliding along the crosspiece, is an adjustable screw which can be moved from one side of the car to the other through a distance of four centimeters. One crosspiece is marked off into millimeters and the sliding screw has an index to determine its position. Through the center runs a vertical rod, which can be moved up and down. The lower part bears a curved arm, at each end of which holds counterpoised weights in cups. These can be removed and replaced by special parts used for the study of temperature on skins and muscular sensations.
On one side of the table's middle opening lies a broken level.
This small car consists of a square brass frame supported by four wheels. Joining the two sides of the frame are two crosspieces having between them a one centimeter space. Within that space, and sliding along the crosspiece, is an adjustable screw which can be moved from one side of the car to the other through a distance of four centimeters. One crosspiece is marked off into millimeters and the sliding screw has an index to determine its position. Through the center runs a vertical rod, which can be moved up and down. The lower part bears a curved arm, at each end of which holds counterpoised weights in cups. These can be removed and replaced by special parts used for the study of temperature on skins and muscular sensations.
On one side of the table's middle opening lies a broken level.
In Collection(s)
Signedon plate: ADAM PFEIFER / BALTIMORE, MD.
Inscribedstenciled on plate: 501
on small brass knob: CAJON / patented Ultra-TORR
FunctionThis instrument was used to study dermal and muscular sensations in psychological experiments.
Historical AttributesThis instrument is found in Hugo Münsterberg's 1893 <i>Psychological Laboratory of Harvard University</i> document. It is thus listed: "101. Kinesimeter. After Hall, by Pfeifer, Baltimore. $81."
See online reproduction <a href="http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Munster/Lab/" target="_blank">here</a>.
Automatic Adding Machine Company
Date: circa 1915
Accessories: rectangular leather case; manual for operation and maintenance, price lists, and examples (CHSI library Lib.4587, photocopy in instrument file)
Object number: DW0972
Crosby Steam Gage & Valve Company
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: original and photocopy of letter from Dr. Joachim Fischer in Berlin requesting information and photographs of mechanical integrating devices from William J.H. Andrewes, dated 13 October 1993
photocopy of letter from William J.H. Andrewes to Dr. Joachim Fischer, providing information on the planimeter and requesting details for his desired photographs; original and photocopy of letter from William J.H. Andrewes to Dr. Joachim Fischer, responding to a request regarding mechanical integrators acquired from the Aiken computer laboratory, dated 11 April 1997; letter from William J. H. Andrewes to Dr. Joachim Fischer that accompanied the photographs, dated 26 April 1995; film and eleven color photographs of the instrument, probably copies of those sent to Dr. Joachim Fischer
Object number: 1995-1-0003
Automatic Adding Machine Company
Date: circa 1907
Accessories: original leather pouch case; black stylus for advancing chain counters; manual for operation and maintenance, price lists, and examples (Lib.4587, photocopy in instrument file)
Object number: 1997-1-1863
Forster
Date: 1950-1960
Accessories: spare ink cartridges; pen attachments
am auxiliary box containing small Allen wrench, scotch tape, extra parts, and storage instructions
Object number: 1999-1-0054
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
Rudolph Koenig
Date: circa 1865
Object number: 1997-1-0892d
Rudolph Koenig
Date: circa 1865
Object number: 1997-1-0892c