Earth Inductor

Earth Inductor

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Description
As scientists found that even the best dip circles gave unreliable results, they began using earth inductors to determine magnetic dip. In 1912, the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington developed a new earth inductor for use at sea. It had three key elements: an improved gimbal stand, a means for rotating the coil without disturbing the gimbal rings, and a sensitive galvanometer.
This example marked "D.T.M. C.I.W. E.I. N° 3" is the third Carnegie marine earth inductor. When the Carnegie closed its program in terrestrial magnetism, it was lent to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. The U.S. Geological Survey acquired it in 1973 when it took over the geomagnetic program of the federal government, and transferred it to the Smithsonian in 1982.
Ref: J. A. Fleming, "Description of the C.I.W. Marine Earth
Inductor," Terrestrial Magnetism 18 (1912): 39-45.
C. W. Hewlett, "Report on the C.I.W. Marine Earth Inductor," Terrestrial Magnetism 18 (1912): 46-48.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
earth inductor
Date made
1912
maker
Carnegie Institution of Washington. Department of Terrestrial Magnetism
Place Made
United States: District of Columbia, Washington
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 9 1/2 in; 24.13 cm
overall in case: 12 11/16 in x 9 3/8 in x 8 7/8 in; 32.22625 cm x 23.8125 cm x 22.5425 cm
ID Number
1982.0671.05
accession number
1982.0671
catalog number
1982.0671.05
Credit Line
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
subject
Science & Scientific Instruments
Science & Scientific Instruments
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Science & Mathematics
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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