Rutherfurd Diffraction Grating
- Description
- Lewis M. Rutherfurd (1816-1892) was an independent astronomer in New York City who began making diffraction gratings around 1871 and distributing them freely to astronomers and physicists in the United States and abroad. By 1875 he was producing gratings with 17,280 lines per inch. This example is a steel plate measuring 1.75 inches square overall, with the ruled area occupying the central 1 inch square. The plate is marked "Dec. 22, 1877" and a card in the box is marked "17,280 No. 1".
- Ref. D. J. Warner, "Lewis M. Rutherfurd: Pioneer Astronomical Photographer and Spectroscopist," Technology and Culture 12 (1971): 190-216.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- diffraction grating
- Rutherfurd diffraction grating
- date made
- 1877
- maker
- Rutherfurd, Lewis Morris
- Measurements
- overall: 7.4 cm x 6.1 cm x 2 cm; 2 29/32 in x 2 13/32 in x 25/32 in
- place made
- United States: New York
- ID Number
- PH*314901
- accession number
- 212171
- catalog number
- 314901
- subject
- Science & Mathematics
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
- Credit Line
- Mrs. Russell Munroe
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