This device determined the melting point of flammable substances. The “P. MILLSPAUGH PAT. APP’D FOR ’71” inscription is that of Pethuel Millspaugh (1821-1886), a resident of Kent, Conn. who was concerned with kerosene accidents. The original heating lamp is missing. The “W.T. and T.V. Gendar, N.Y.” inscription on the thermometer refers to William T. and Thomas V. Gendar of New York, who were in business together from 1860 to 1877, making and selling thermometers, hydrometers, and similar instruments.
Ref: Pethuel Millspaugh, “Improvement in Testing Burning Fluids,” U.S. Patent 127,259 (May 28, 1872).
Pethuel Millspaugh, Kerosene Accidents, and How to Prevent Them (New York, 1874).
“Improved Apparatus for Testing Illuminating Oils,” Scientific American (March 18, 1876), p. 182.
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