Oil microscope lamp designed by Lord Kelvin

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This oil microscope lamp was used for a Thomson reflecting galvanometer when laying Atlantic Cable in 1866. It was made by John Browning in London.

Oil microscope lamp used as a lamp for a Thomson reflecting galvanometer when laying the Atlantic Cable in 1866, made by John Browning, London

Sir William Thomson, 1824-1907, was one of the most distinguished scientists of the late 19th century. After propounding the theory of electric oscillations in 1853, he invented the mirror galvanometer which was used to improve the speed of transmissions along the
first underwater Atlantic cable.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-870-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Innovators and Innovations (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1934.157
• Date: 1866
  
• Material: Lamp, microscope, oil / galvanometer, reflecting, Thomson
  
• Dimensions: 11.50" L (lamp over chimney) x 4.50" D (base)
  
• What: Lamp, microscope, oil / galvanometer, reflecting, Thomson
  
• Subject: 8. ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Installation (Departmental Classification)
  22. PHYSICS, Magnetism and Electricity (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: John Browning, London (maker)
  Lord Kelvin (Sir William Thomson) (scientist and inventor)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event: Laying of the Submarine Atlantic Telegraph Cable
  
• Description:
• References:
  • Thompson, Silvanus P. The life of William Thomson, Baron Kelvin of Largs. London: Macmillan, 1910
  • Tunbridge, Paul. Lord Kelvin: his influence on electrical measurements and units. London: Peregrinus, 1992
• Translations:
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