Skip to main content
  • Utility Menu
  • Search
Harvard Logo
HARVARD.EDU

Collections Menu
  • Waywiser
  • People
  • Bibliography
  • Exhibitions
  • Thesaurus
  • My Object Lists
  • About
  • Sign in
Advanced Search
  • Home
  • Objects
  • demonstration galvanometer

demonstration galvanometer

demonstration galvanometer

Date: circa 1930
Inventory Number: 2002-1-0002
Classification: Galvanometer
Subject:
physics, electricity, electrical engineering,
Maker: Central Scientific Company (1889 - 2000)
User: Department of Physics, Harvard University (founded 1884)
Cultural Region:
United States,
Place of Origin:
Chicago,
City of Use:
Cambridge,
Dimensions:
35.7 × 26 × 26 cm (14 1/16 × 10 1/4 × 10 1/4 in.)
Material:
wood, paper, magnet, brass, iron, alloy,
Description:
Oversized galvanometer with large paper scale for classroom use. The scale encircles an arched iron bar. There is one scale that can be read by the instructor and one scale for students on the other side, and a patented device zeros the pointer without having to lift the shade (missing). A large horseshoe magnet is mounted below the scales on a round wooden base with two brass binding posts and three brass leveling screws. The base has a circular groove to seat a glass dome (missing).
Signedon metal plaque on base: CENTRAL SCIENTIFIC CO. / LABORATORY SUPPLIES / APPARATUS CHEMICALS / CHICAGO, U.S.A.
FunctionThis galvanometer was used for classroom demonstration to measure electric currents. A compass needle is pivoted in the middle of a coil. Passing a current through the coil exerts a torque on the needle, which then aligns itself with the resulting magnetic field.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Harvard University.

Choose Collection

Create new collection

facebook iconTwitter Logo

_______________________________
Join Our Mailing List I Contact
_______________________________
The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments
Science Center, Room 371 • 1 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 •chsi@fas.harvard.edu
p. 617-495-2779 •
f. 617-496-5794
_______________________________
The CHSI is one of the

HMSC Logo

Exhibition Hours

The Putnam Gallery
(Science Center 136):
Monday through Friday, 11a.m. to 4p.m.


The Special Exhibitions Gallery
(Science Center 251):
Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m.


The Foyer Gallery
Closed for Installation.

All galleries are closed on University Holidays.

Admission is free of charge.
Children must be escorted by an adult.

Admin Login
OpenScholar
Copyright © 2017 The President and Fellows of Harvard College | Privacy | Accessibility | Report Copyright Infringement

Choose Collection

Create new collection