![Postcard of Prisms, known as Nicol prisms.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00988299.jpg&PHPSESSID=vjgrukg7hp38ct6d7gvc631e25) 000-100-102-689-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Prisms, known as Nicol prisms
Prisms of this type are known as Nicol prisms, after their inventor, Edinburgh geologist William Nicol (1768-1851). These two examples were made in England in the early 19th century. They are unsigned, but may have been made by Watkins of London.
The Nicol prism is an optical filter for polarising light. Used in pairs as polariser and analyser, the prism enables minerals to be identified through optical characteristics which derive from their crystal structures.
Both of these prisms were used by William Henry Fox Talbot (1800-77), inventor of positive/negative photography and man of science, with interests ranging from optics to Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-100-102-689-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1936.108 |
Date: |
Early 19th century Early 19th century
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Material: |
Brass case
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Dimensions: |
0.97" L x 0.72" D 1.88" L x 1.25" D
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What: |
Prism, Nicol Prism, Nicol / case
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Subject: |
22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification) 22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification)
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Who: |
Nicol (Eponym) Nicol (Eponym) Watkins ?, England (Maker) Watkins ?, London, England (Maker)
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Where: |
England England
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Event: |
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Description: |
Nicol prism, possibly by Watkins, England, early 19th century Nicol prism in a brass case with screw caps on ends, possibly by Watkins, England, early 19th century
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References: |
- Morrison-Low, A.D. & Christie, J.R.R. (eds.), Martyr of Science: Sir David Brewster 1781-1868. Edinburgh: 1984, pp 87-8
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