Diffraction Grating

Description:

This is one of the earliest gratings made by Lewis M. Rutherfurd, and one of three that the pioneer astrophysicist, Henry Draper, acquired in the fall of 1872. The glass plate measures 1.5 inches square overall, with the grating measuring 1⅛ inches square, and is marked "12960 to the inch Oct. 16, 1872 L. M. Rutherfurd."

Ref. D. J. Warner, "Lewis M. Rutherfurd: Pioneer Astronomical Photographer and Spectroscopist," Technology and Culture 12 (1971): 190-216.

Date Made: 1872

Maker: Rutherfurd, Lewis Morris

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: John William Christopher Draper and James Christopher Draper

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.334272Accession Number: 304826Catalog Number: 334272

Object Name: Diffraction Grating

Measurements: overall: 2 mm x 38 mm x 35 mm; 3/32 in x 1 1/2 in x 1 3/8 inoverall; in museum storage: 2 1/4 in x 1 7/8 in x 2 1/4 in; 5.715 cm x 4.7625 cm x 5.715 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-4a22-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1183978

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.