Minimum Thermometer

Description:

Alcohol-in-glass Rutherford-type thermometer mounted on a grooved metal plate that is marked "H. J. GREEN B'KLYN, N.Y." and "No. 8727 U.S. WEATHER BUREAU" and "MINIMUM" and graduated every 5 degrees F. from -30 to +110. The stem is graduated every degree Fahrenheit from -39 to +110.

John Rutherford, a Scottish country doctor, devised this form in 1790. Green stated in 1900 that it was "the only one in general use." It has a black index inside the tube. "On a decrease of temperature the alcohol recedes, taking with it the glass index; on an increase of temperature the alcohol alone ascends the tube, leaving the end of the index farthest from the bulb indicating the minimum temperature."

Ref.: Henry J. Green, Meteorological and Scientific Instruments (Brooklyn, 1900), p. 23.

Date Made: 1900-1960

Maker: H. J. Green

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, Brooklyn

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Thermometers and Hygrometers, Measuring & Mapping

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: U.S. Weather Bureau

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.317462Accession Number: 230396Catalog Number: 317462

Object Name: thermometer

Measurements: tube: 10 1/2 in; 26.67 cmplate: 10 in; 25.4 cmoverall: 11 1/2 in x 15/16 in x 3/8 in; 29.21 cm x 2.38125 cm x .9525 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-d406-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1289384

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