probably made in England
This glass prism, with cut glass handles, was probably made in England in the 19th century.
The prism has a triangular section, each of its three sides being 60 degrees from the next. Although this example was made for optical demonstrations, prisms like this were used in the manufacture of chandeliers.
By passing a beam of sunlight through a prism, Isaac Newton noticed that rays of light which differ in colour also differ in the amount by which they are bent - or refracted - as they pass through glass, and out again.
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.