This instrument, which came from the Smithsonian Instrument Room, determined the melting point of substances. The inscription reads “PATENTED NOVR. 4, 1862 / BY G. TAGLIABUE / 296 PEARL ST., New York.” The inscription on the frame holding the thermometer reads “G. TAGLIABUE 296 PEARL ST. NEW YORK.” Giuseppe Tagliabue (1812-1878) was born in Italy, apprenticed in England, came to the U.S. in 1834, and set up shop making and selling such instruments as thermometers, barometers and hygrometers.
Ref: Giuseppe Tagliabue, “Improved Apparatus for Testing Coal-Oil,” U.S. Patent 36,826 (Oct. 28, 1862).
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