Model of thermometer

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This model of a spiral thermometer dates from around 1830. It was probably made as a teaching aid to illustrate a form of thermometer that uses the expansion effect to uncoil a strip laminated from two different metals, with different expansion rates.

The thermometer has a brass spiral strip supported at its upper end by a vertical brass arm. An iron pointer attached to the lower end lies above an ungraduated brass ring which rests on three feet.

As this instrument is made from only one metal spiral, it could not function. It has been suggested that it was used as a reminder to show a large class in a demonstration.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-044-109-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1858.275.8
• Date: Around 1830
  c. 1830
  
• Material: Brass
  Thermometer
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Thermometer
  
• Subject:
• Who: Edinburgh University (Owner)
  Joseph Black (Possible owner)
  Professor Gregory (Possible owner)
  Professor Hope (Possible owner)
  
• Where: Scotland
  
• Event:
• Description: One of a collection of apparatus and instruments from Edinburgh University used by Professors Black, Hope and Gregory - a thermometer formed of a spiral of brass
  
• References:
  • Anderson, R. G. W., The Playfair Collection. Edinburgh: 1978, pp 84-5 
• Translations:
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