maximum thermometer
Date1880-1900
Inventory Number1998-1-1285
ClassificationThermometer
Subject
Maker
Jacob A. Seitz
fl. 1880 - 1900
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions3.5 x 31.5 x 4.5 cm (1 3/8 x 12 3/8 x 1 3/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionA thermometer consisting of a glass tube with a mercury capillary, fixed by brass brackets to a metal plate with an engraved scale, which is itself mounted on a wood plank.
The orientation of its labels indicates it is meant to be used in a horizontal position.
The thermometer's scale is in Fahrenheit degrees going from -135 to 125 degrees, and on its lower side it has several physiologically and meteorologically relevant temperatures indicated: 32=Freezing, 55=Temperate, 76=Summer Heat, 98=Blood Heat.
The orientation of its labels indicates it is meant to be used in a horizontal position.
The thermometer's scale is in Fahrenheit degrees going from -135 to 125 degrees, and on its lower side it has several physiologically and meteorologically relevant temperatures indicated: 32=Freezing, 55=Temperate, 76=Summer Heat, 98=Blood Heat.
Signedengraved on front: J. A. SEITZ / 88 COURT ST BOSTON
Curatorial RemarksStored with 1998-1-1283, 1998-1-1280, and 1998-1-1278.
FunctionThis is a meteorological thermometer that keeps the highest temperature that occurs in the interval of time between resetting the device. It has a very narrow neck at the mouth of the mercury bulb such that the mercury can flow out when expanding due to high temperatures, but it cannot get back in by gravity alone. The user has to reset it by turning it over and shaking it towards the bulb.
J. S. F. Huddleston
Date: circa 1849
Object number: 1998-1-1281
