Hipp-type chronoscope
Date1890-1910
Inventory NumberWJ0105
ClassificationChronoscope
Subject
Maker
E. Zimmermann
founded 1887
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions55 x 26 x 21 cm (21 5/8 x 10 1/4 x 8 1/4 in.)
Material
Accessoriesweights, crank, extra tuning fork
DescriptionThe instrument is mounted on four wooden decorative columns. A weight drives the clock mechanism. The four electrical connectors on the base are used to power the electromagnets that release the clutch controlling the moving hands on the dial. Two small ropes hanging on the left side also control the mechanical movement of the gears. A removable, rectangular wood cover with glass window goes over the clock mechanism.
A weight rotates the drum and starts the movement of this weight-driven mechanism. An electromagnet releases the clutch that holds the rotating hands away from the turning drum and then starts the rotation of the two measuring hands. A second electromagnet causes the clutch to re-engage, thus stopping the hands. With proper calibration, measurements of up to 1/1000th of a second were possible.
A weight rotates the drum and starts the movement of this weight-driven mechanism. An electromagnet releases the clutch that holds the rotating hands away from the turning drum and then starts the rotation of the two measuring hands. A second electromagnet causes the clutch to re-engage, thus stopping the hands. With proper calibration, measurements of up to 1/1000th of a second were possible.
In Collection(s)
Signedon lower dial: E. ZIMMERMANN / LEIPZIG
Inscribedon column's base, on glued paper: 2
Curatorial RemarksSpare tuning for chronoscope is WJ0105b and is stored separately.
FunctionThe Hipp chronoscope was used primarily as a timing device for reaction time experiments (time measurement of mental acts).
ProvenancePsychology Department, William James Hall, Harvard University.
William Bond and Son
Date: circa 1864
Accessories: Winding key
Object number: 2502
William Bond and Son
Date: circa 1860
Accessories: carrying case
Object number: 2005-1-0015a
John Cuthbertson
Date: 1770-1815
Accessories: brown storage box, descriptive tag, thin strip of paper in box with the inscription "lucernal microscope" in David P. Wheatland's handwriting (which refers to figs. 47-48 and 51 in this series), page from the book "Old Science and Medicine" with a photographic copy of the first print from this series, entitled "The Large Electric Machine at Haarlem."
Object number: 1998-1-1087
Charles Frodsham
Date: circa 1865
Accessories: winding key.
Object number: 1998-1-1319
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: bob hanging by green thread on side; black and red power cord; spare fastening pins in envelope; spare roll of paper
Object number: 1999-1-0004
Institute of Geographical Exploration
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: winding key; geared allen wrench; leather holster. Associated with printing chronograph.
Object number: DW0471a
