dial reading chainomatic balance
Date: circa 1960
Inventory Number: 1996-1-0204
Classification: Balance
Subject:
Maker: American Balance Corporation (ca. 1900s - 1970s)
User: Department of Geology and Geography, Harvard University (1890 - 1961)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
47 x 26 x 45.5 cm (18 1/2 x 10 1/4 x 17 15/16 in.)
Accessories: brush; aluminum blocks
Description:
A black metal case with glass windows that contains a balance consisting of a black pillar that holds a grey triangular beam from which hang two disk-shaped pans. The lowest point of the beam holds a pointer that reaches almost to the floor of the case to a scale without any numbers. The balance has a pair of horizontal rods that held from the ceiling and which can be manipulated with a knob to the right outside the case, and on one of the rods is a small hook that reaches down to the top of the beam. To the right there is also a wheel with a horizontal axis and a graduated edge which on its front side has a vernier beside it. The wheel is attached to a pulley with a chain wound around it that goes all the way down to to the pan on the right side. This wheel is also controlled by a knob outside the case on the right side.
The case has leveling-screw feet and a large, silver-colored knob in front near the bottom.
The case has leveling-screw feet and a large, silver-colored knob in front near the bottom.
In Collection(s)
Signedon plaque: AMERICAN BALANCE CORP. / NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y. / U. S. A. / AN 2012 110
below pointer scale: AMERICAN BALANCE / CORP / NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.
below pointer scale: AMERICAN BALANCE / CORP / NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.
FunctionThis is an analytical balance that is designed to make the determination of the last decimals of a weight measurement much quicker. Up to a range of around 0.1 gram, it works like any other balance, with the user having to open the door and place new weights repeatedly. Then, instead of using finer weights, the user can gradually lower the chain onto the tray by rotating the dial on the top right of the front window. When the system is balance the user can simply read the milligrams off the dial scale, even up to the scale on the vernier if necessary.
This one was used for spectral analysis in geology: the aluminum blocks with numbered holes were for small test tubes which held mineral specimens to be weighed prior to being vaporized for spectral analysis.
This one was used for spectral analysis in geology: the aluminum blocks with numbered holes were for small test tubes which held mineral specimens to be weighed prior to being vaporized for spectral analysis.
ProvenanceDepartment of Geology and Geography, Harvard University