Refractometer

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.

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Online ID:	000-100-102-821-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: 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
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