Radioactive source for Crookes spinthariscope

Description:

A spinthariscope is a device for observing individual nuclear disintegrations caused by the interaction of ionizing radiation with a phosphor or scintillator. Typically, an eyepiece and a radiation source are located at opposite ends of the cylindrical device.

Two types of spinthariscope are shown in the accompanying multi-object image; a Crookes spinthariscope appears on the right. (Photograph provided by donor, Prof. Herbert Clark, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.)

For general background on the spinthariscope go to:

http://skullsinthestars.com/2011/04/25/the-spinthariscope-see-atoms-decay-before-your-eyes/

For background on the Crookes spinthariscope go to: https://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/spinthariscopes/crookes.htm

Description of the separate source for the Crookes spinthariscope, object ID no. 1994.0125.17.2

This separate radioactive source, presumably radium, for Crookes spinthariscope object ID 1994.0125.17.1, is enclosed in a 3 7/8” x 1 ½” x ¼” case of unknown material, with a cardboard lid held by a cloth hinge in which a rectangular window roughly 2” wide by 1” deep. Behind the window is a circular depression about 3/8” in diameter, in the center of which embedded in an unknown white matrix, the presumed 1 mm diameter source lies. Visible through the window, above the source well is the inscription “The Spinthariscope”, and below the source well is the inscription “W. Crookes 1903”. The source .17.2 in the case appears in the accompanying multi-object image, second object from the right.

The sides of the case are further enclosed by stacks of glass microscope slides 3/16’ thick, held by twisted wires and foam pads over top and bottom. The glass slides were placed on both sides of the case by Clark; they have been left undisturbed as a precautionary measure. The object .17.2 in this arrangment appears in the second accompanying image.

Date Made: early 20th century

Maker: Crookes, William

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United Kingdom: England, London

Web Subject: Science & Scientific Instruments

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Modern Physics, Science & Mathematics, Modern Physics, Measuring & Mapping

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Department of Chemistry

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1994.0125.17.2Accession Number: 1994.0125Catalog Number: 1994.0125.17.2

Object Name: radioactive source for Crookes spinthariscope

Physical Description: metal (overall material)cloth (overall material)radioactive source (overall material)glass (overall material)Measurements: overall: .8 cm x 9.8 cm x 3.8 cm; 5/16 in x 3 7/8 in x 1 1/2 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-448b-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_472810

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.