Bunsen-type photometer
Date: circa 1892
Inventory Number: WJ0190
Classification: Photometer
Subject:
Maker: Max Kohl A. G. (founded 1876)
User: William James (1842 - 1910)
User: Hugo Münsterberg (1863 - 1916)
User: Harvard Psychological Laboratory (founded 1891)
User: Department of Psychology, Harvard University (founded 1934)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
8.2 × 13 × 20.7 cm (3 1/4 × 5 1/8 × 8 1/8 in.)
Material:
tin,
Bibliography:
Equipment of Class Rooms. Physical Apparatus for Mechanics, Wave Theory, Acoustics and Optics
Description:
This photometer is made of two parts: the pyramidal section that includes the eyepiece; and the rectangular section, opened on both sides, in which were once two inclined mirrors (missing) and a grease-spot screen (also missing) separating the box in two. One side of the box has a threaded hole for a rod to attach it to a stand. The stand is missing. A candle holder was fixed on that stand. The measured value was given in metric candles.
The photometer is devoid of optics. The number "32" has been handwritten on a small sticker.
The photometer is devoid of optics. The number "32" has been handwritten on a small sticker.
Signedstencilled in gold letters: Max Kohl, Chemnitz
FunctionA photometer is an instrument used to measure the brightness, or intensity of an unknown light source.
Historical AttributesThis photometer appears among the apparatus that the new Harvard Psychological Laboratory (established in 1891) took to the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893 as an example of equipment for the New Psychology. It is recorded in Hugo Munsterberg's description of the Lab in 1893 as item:
192. Photometer. After Bunsen and Toepler, by Kohl, Chemnitz. $12.
192. Photometer. After Bunsen and Toepler, by Kohl, Chemnitz. $12.
Primary SourcesHugo Munsterberg, "Psychological Laboratory of Harvard University" (1893), item 192.
(online at this website.)
Max Kohl, Educational and Laboratory Furniture for Physics, Chemistry and Biology Class Rooms and Laboratories (Chemnitz: Max Kohl A.G., [ca 1925]), 386, no. 88 710.
(online at this website.)
Max Kohl, Educational and Laboratory Furniture for Physics, Chemistry and Biology Class Rooms and Laboratories (Chemnitz: Max Kohl A.G., [ca 1925]), 386, no. 88 710.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Psychology, William James Hall, Harvard University.