condensing lens for a hand-held Becquerel phosphoroscope
Date: 1860-1890
Inventory Number: 2007-1-0070
Classification: Phosphoroscope
Subject:
Maker: French
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
17.8 x 10.2 x 10.2 cm (7 x 4 x 4 in.)
Description:
Glass condensing lens set in wide end of a brass cylinder with triangular aperture at the narrow end. Could go with 1997-1-1527, which is the actual hand-held phosphoroscope made by Duboscq. In size, shape, and the character of the metalwork it very closely resembles the lens end of DW0152, another (complete) hand-held phosphoroscope. There are four rivet holes around the aperture at the narrow end, one of which still has the rivet in it, suggesting that this piece had broken off.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
FunctionThe phosphoroscope was invented by Alexander Edmond Becquerel (1820-1891) in 1859 and was used to measure the amount of time that a phosphorescent substance would glow after being irradiated by a brilliant source of light.
For more information on this type of apparatus, see the description of Adolphe Ganot on Google Books at the following website.
For more information on this type of apparatus, see the description of Adolphe Ganot on Google Books at the following website.
Curatorial RemarksMost likely French, by Jules Duboscq or one of his successors.