Refractometer

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A refractometer is used to demonstrate the laws of reflection and refraction, particularly when a beam of light moves from one medium to another, for example from water into air. This example was made around 1800, probably by W. & S. Jones of London.

The refractor is signed on the dial 'W. & S. Jones/LONDON'. The circle is divided into quadrants, each divided from 0 to 90 degrees. Two index arms with sighting vanes and apertures through them to read the scale, are pivoted from the centre of the dial.

The first systematic study of the refractive powers of different liquids was conducted by Robert Hooke in the early 1660s, using a refractor made for him by Anthony Thompson of London.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-821-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1984.142
• Date: Around 1800
  c. 1800
  
• Material: Brass. Inscription: W. & S. Jones / LONDON
  
• Dimensions: 150 mm x 100 mm x 180 mm
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: W. and S. Jones (Inscribed on the refractometer)
  W. and S. Jones, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Refractometer in brass, signed by W. and S. Jones of London, c. 1800
  
• References:
  • Compare with the example in Turner, G. L'E., Van Marum's Scientific Instruments in Teyler's Museum. Leiden: 1966, p 278, which has a bibliography 
• Translations:
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