Urinometer

Description:

Urinometers are used to measure the specific gravity of urine, a measurement of its density. Specific gravity of urine fluctuates with the concentration of dissolved substances contained in the sample. Urine with low specific gravity can be a sign of diabetes or kidney problems.

The urinometer has a graduated scale divided into four divisions. The upper most division is marked with the letter W: this is the level where the instrument rests in pure water. The next division is maked by the letter H: this is the level where the instrument rests when immersed in urine from a healthy person. The letter S indicates strong but not as healthy as H. Diabetes is indicated when the instrument rests in the lower most division.

Date Made: late19th centurylate19th century

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Medicine, Health & Medicine, Diabetes

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Eleanor P. Custis

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MG.M-07862Catalog Number: M-07862Accession Number: 223292

Object Name: urinometerdiagnosticOther Terms: Diagnostic Medicine

Physical Description: wood (overall material)glass (overall material)Measurements: overall: 5 7/8 in x 1 1/4 in; 14.9225 cm x 3.175 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-55a4-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_735237

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.