electromagnetic tuning fork
Date: 1890-1920
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0876
Classification: Tuning Fork
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
15 x 40.5 x 9.4 cm (5 7/8 x 15 15/16 x 3 11/16 in.)
Description:
The instrument is mounted on a wooden base. At one end is an L-shaped stand on which is fixed the tuning fork (below) and a horizontal rod (above) that holds the electromagnetic coil between the tines of the fork. One wire is seen.
Whether it was shop-built at Harvard itself or made in the US is hard to tell here.
Whether it was shop-built at Harvard itself or made in the US is hard to tell here.
Signedunsigned
FunctionCommon in acoustical or psychological experiments of sound perception, tuning forks are used to ascertain the variation of sound pitches. A tuning fork resonates at a specific constant pitch when set vibrating by striking it against a surface or with an object (or in this case by electricity). The pitch generated by a particular tuning fork depends on the length of the two tines, with two nodes near the bend of the usually U-shaped instrument.