Kipp reflecting galvanometer
Date: 1920-1930
Inventory Number: 0436
Classification: Reflecting Galvanometer
Subject:
Maker: Petrus Jacobus Kipp (1808 - 1864)
User: Department of Physics, Harvard University (founded 1884)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
20 x 15 x 15 cm (7 7/8 x 5 7/8 x 5 7/8 in.)
Description:
Galvanometer consists of a short nickel suspension tube with circular viewing window that contains a moving coil and mirror on a suspension wire. The tube is supported between the poles of a heavy circular magnet with circular metal top which contains a round level. There is an adjustment screw protruding from the side of the magnet for varying the magnetic gap. Circular bakelite base with three leveling screws and two brass binding posts with celluloid knobs.
Signedmarked on base between binding posts: KIPP / DELFT HOLLAND
FunctionGalvanometer used in measuring very low voltage potentials for calibrating equipment. When a current is applied to the galvanometer, a small variation will create a torque motion on the mirror. A light is then beamed on the mirror, which will be redirected away from the galvanometer towards a graduated scale. The position of the reflected light on that scale will indicate the variation of the current detected by the galvanometer.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Lyman Lab, Harvard University, 3/16/1961.