suspended U-magnet galvanometer
Date1900-1940
Inventory Number0142
ClassificationGalvanometer
Subject
User
Department of Physics, Harvard University
founded 1884
Cultural Region
Place of Use
Dimensions16.5 × 12 × 12 cm (6 1/2 × 4 3/4 × 4 3/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionGalvanometer with U-magnet suspended in block of brass below double pointer. Encased in cylindrical black brass case with a glass top and tripod base and leveling screws. Black brass suspension tube extends from center of case. Coils, scale and cap of suspension tube missing, glass broken. See 0143 for complete example of this type of galvanometer.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksProbably built at Harvard College.
FunctionThis galvanometer was intended for classroom use. A reflecting galvanometer is a sensitive instrument that measures small current displacements. When an electric current is introduced, it induces a magnetic field that causes the coil to rotate in proportion to the current deflections, which can be detected using a mirror and a scale.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Harvard University, 11/2/1956.
American
Date: 1890-1930
Accessories: extra set of coils without multi-tap windings (0156d, e); extra magnet; square wooden case
Object number: 0156a-f
Department of Physics, Harvard University
Date: 1890-1930
Accessories: extra set of coils without multi-tap windings (0156d, e); extra magnet; square wooden case
Object number: 0156a
Department of Physics, Harvard University
Date: 1900-1920
Object number: 0144a,b
American
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: 0155a,b,c,d
Leeds & Northrup Company
Date: circa 1920
Object number: 0551