Six's maximum minimum thermometer
Date: 1910-1930
Inventory Number: 1998-1-1410
Classification: Thermometer
Subject:
Maker: Taylor Instrument Companies (1851 - 1992)
Supplier: Andrew J. Lloyd Company (fl. 1890 - 1930)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
22.8 x 4.5 x 5.5 cm (9 x 1 3/4 x 2 3/16 in.)
DescriptionA thermometer consisting of a very long tube that makes several turns presenting two long vertical segments each with its own graded scale printed in gold numbers on the case that holds the thermometer.
The vertical segment to the left is labelled "COLD" and has a scale between -130 and 60 degrees (unknown units, most likely Fahrenheit), is partially filled with mercury at the bottom, and also has a thin metal pin inside its capillary. This scale is probably inverted.
The vertical segment to the right is labelled "HEAT" with a scale between -50 and 140 and is partially filled with mercury at the bottom.
There are reservoirs inside the tube at both of its ends. At the leftmost end, after a bend at the top of the "COLD" segment, is an empty stretch of tube. At the rightmost end and directly above the "HEAT" segment, is a bulb filled with a yellowish liquid, probably alcohol.
The thermometer is attached to a black enamel case with a small roof at its top and a hoop for hanging it.
The vertical segment to the left is labelled "COLD" and has a scale between -130 and 60 degrees (unknown units, most likely Fahrenheit), is partially filled with mercury at the bottom, and also has a thin metal pin inside its capillary. This scale is probably inverted.
The vertical segment to the right is labelled "HEAT" with a scale between -50 and 140 and is partially filled with mercury at the bottom.
There are reservoirs inside the tube at both of its ends. At the leftmost end, after a bend at the top of the "COLD" segment, is an empty stretch of tube. At the rightmost end and directly above the "HEAT" segment, is a bulb filled with a yellowish liquid, probably alcohol.
The thermometer is attached to a black enamel case with a small roof at its top and a hoop for hanging it.
Signedtop of plate: ANDREW J LLOYD CO. BOSTON
between the two vertical segments: Ty/cos
between the two vertical segments: Ty/cos
FunctionThis is a thermometer that combines the function of a maximum and a minimum thermometer, displaying the lowest (left) and highest (right) temperatures to which it has been exposed.
It contains an amount of mercury at the bottom of the U-tube and scales on both sides (the leftmost one inverted) such that at all times the level of mercury in both segments will indicate the same reading. The liquid (probably alcohol) in the rightmost bulb expands and contracts with temperature, pushing the mercury at the bottom to display the right temperature on both ends.
Directly above the mercury on both segments would be a small metal pin (currently only leftmost one visible) that can be moved upwards by the mercury, but does not slide down when the mercury recedes. This way, over a period of time the pins will display the lowest and highest temperatures to which the thermometer has been exposed.
It apparently contains some mercury on its leftmost bulb, but in working order the mercury would be all at the bottom segment of the U-tube.
For resetting it, the pins on both sides would be moved as low as possible, either by shaking, or with magnets if made of the right material.
It contains an amount of mercury at the bottom of the U-tube and scales on both sides (the leftmost one inverted) such that at all times the level of mercury in both segments will indicate the same reading. The liquid (probably alcohol) in the rightmost bulb expands and contracts with temperature, pushing the mercury at the bottom to display the right temperature on both ends.
Directly above the mercury on both segments would be a small metal pin (currently only leftmost one visible) that can be moved upwards by the mercury, but does not slide down when the mercury recedes. This way, over a period of time the pins will display the lowest and highest temperatures to which the thermometer has been exposed.
It apparently contains some mercury on its leftmost bulb, but in working order the mercury would be all at the bottom segment of the U-tube.
For resetting it, the pins on both sides would be moved as low as possible, either by shaking, or with magnets if made of the right material.
Curatorial RemarksStored with 5601.