Astronomical and Physical Instruments

This collection includes antique Astronomy and Physics instruments in the possession of the University of Kansas Department of Physics & Astronomy.
The spectrograph is made up if two 30 degree prisms and a single right angled prism. One arm is a telescope and the other a collimator- both fixed to allow the passage of light through the prism. The whole structure sits on a cast iron tripod.

Adam Hilger Quartz Spectrograph

A spectrograph is a device used to record the spectrum of light and its component wavelengths. This particular instrument is the Adam Hilger Ltd. constant deviation type quartz spectrograph.

Weston AC portable test instrument of dimensions 180 x 170 x 82 mm / 7.1 x 6.7 x 3.2 inch. Instrument is in a tabletop shaped wooden box with a leather handle on the right side. In the center of the box is an engraving of the manufacturer titled "Weston Electrical Instrument Corp, Newark, NJ, USA", Model 155.

Weston AC portable test instrument model 155

This is a AC voltmeter made by the Weston company in the 1920’s. This instrument is serial number 77139.

Weston DC micro-ammeter in a surface type case for portable use with a aluminum case finish of dimensions 6.75" x 4.25" x 2.375" inch and weighing at 2.75 lbs.

Weston DC Microammeter Model 440

Made by the Weston Instrument Company, this highly sensitive portable DC micro-ammeter was ideal to be used in place of a suspended coil, reflecting type galvanometer. Its sensitivity could be as high as 0.25 microampere per division.

Weston Mark II analyzer model 980 in a black molder HYCAR panel with white and red writings and a carrying strap at the top. Measurements range from R x 10000 ohms, 1.6 to 4000 DC Volts, 1.6 to 1600 AC Volts, and 1.6 to 800 DC milliampere.

Weston Mark II Analyzer Model 980

The Mark II is a volt-ohm-milliammeter used for a wider range of electrical measurements. . This instrument was designed to give high accuracy measurements with ease of transport.

The instrument has dimensions of 175 x 175 x 260 mm. It sits in a wooden box. Inside the box cna be the found the UHF admittance meter along with 2 multiplier plates-one single and one double; 1 coaxial panel connector and 2 terminators.

General Radio Admittance meter model 1602

This is the type 1602-B U·H-F Admittance Meter dated back to 1964. It is a simple, flexible instrument for the measurement of admittance and impedance over a wide frequency range.

A gyroscope on an arm with an attached weight on the other end of the arm.

Gyroscope Apparatus

A gyroscope on an arm with an attached weight on the other end of the arm. This instrument was likely used to demonstrate various behaviors of gyroscopes, including procession and gyroscopic stabilization.

W. M. Welch Scientific Company Flywheel Apparatus with axle

W. M. Welch Scientific Company Flywheel Apparatus
Record player in a wooden enclosed case. On the right is an oz needle pressure equipment, on the left is Thordarson choke coil.

Record Player

Antique record player. Seemingly, can be used just as an amplifier. Instructions to use provided inside the lid.

A set of 10 scientific records with one musical record.

Set of records

A set of 11 records for use with the record player. The first 10 seem to be specifically made for scientific use, while the 11th is just normal music

This is a transit, a type of telescope with a built-in spirit level and extremely fine calibration screws to allow its user to level the device exactly and thus take very precise measurements of the positions of celestial bodies. Brass telescope placed on a heavy metal mount.

Stackpole & Brother Transit Telescope

This is a transit, a type of telescope with a built-in spirit level and extremely fine calibration screws to allow its user to level the device exactly and thus take very precise measurements of the positions of celestial bodies.

The compass measures 15~5/8” in length and is fit with a 6” needle and 7~ 3/8” sight vanes, a variation ard and slow motion tangent screw and two opposed bubbles mounted on the main-plate. The original staff mount is lacking; the original case is present and in good condition as is the original heavy lathe-turned lid.

E.A. Kutz Surveyor's compass

A very large (and thus very precise) compass used for surveying. This is a surveyor's compass or circumferentor, an instrument used in surveying to measure horizontal angles.

A wooden box with a set of 13 standard masses and one pair of tweezers.

Set of Standard Masses

This is a set of standard masses, used for calibration, lab demonstrations, etc. In addition to the usual high-mass masses, this set includes some as light as 0.0001 g, even including a set of tweezers for handling them.

These are a set of masses for use with the current balance along with some original notes and papers.

White Electric Balance Masses

Patented by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) and Manufactured by James White, These are a set of masses for use with the current balance.

Whitney Instrument Co. AC Voltmeter no. 10104 in silver color mounted on a wooden board.

Whitney Instrument Co. AC Voltmeter

Measures the electric potential difference (voltage) between two points in an electrical circuit.

Bausch & Lomb Optical Company Microscope with 2 attachable lenses. Comes with a wooden case with attachable parts and lenses.

Bausch & Lomb Optical Company Microscope

Bausch & Lomb Optical Company Microscope with 2 attachable lenses.

This is a barometer, an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.

Swift Instruments Barometer

This is a barometer, an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, ca.1988.

Measures the electric potential difference (voltage) between two points in an electrical circuit. Comes in a wooden box with original label and information on the inside of the lid.

Keystone Electrical Instrument Co. DC Voltmeter

Measures the electric potential difference (voltage) between two points in an electrical circuit.

This is an ammeter, an instrument used to measure electric current. Specifically, this is an electrodynamic ammeter, a variant which functions by passing a current through both a fixed coil and a movable coil which is free to rotate around the fixed coil.

Queen & Company Makers Electrodynamic Ammeter

This is an ammeter, an instrument used to measure electric current. Specifically, this is an electrodynamic ammeter, a variant which functions by passing a current through both a fixed coil and a movable coil which is free to rotate around the fixed coil.

This is a variable resistor, also known as a "resistance box" or "potentiometer," and is used as a standard-value resistor for teaching, circuit prototyping, or lab work. Comes in a wooden case with 4 dials.

Otto Wolff/Arthur H. Thomas Co. Variable Resistor

This is a variable resistor, also known as a "resistance box" or "potentiometer," and is used as a standard-value resistor for teaching, circuit prototyping, or lab work.

William Thomson's Current Balance enclosed in a glass case. A balance that measures current by using that current to make a magnetic field that deflects the lever arm, then putting weights on the arm to bring it back to its starting position.

William Thomson's Current Balance

A balance that measures current by using that current to make a magnetic field that deflects the lever arm, then putting weights on the arm to bring it back to its starting position.

A resistor with a resistance value of precisely 0.1 ohms, used for calibration or educational demonstrations. This resistor is unusually large to allow it to handle large currents (up to 15 amps for this resistor).

Leeds & Northrup Resistance Standard

A resistor with a resistance value of precisely 0.1 ohms, used for calibration or educational demonstrations. This resistor is unusually large to allow it to handle large currents (up to 15 amps for this resistor)

An instrument for measuring the current in a circuit. The manufacturer, Siemens & Halske, went on to become tech giant Siemens AG. This instrument was imported into the US by the James G Biddle Company.

Siemens & Halske AC/DC Precision Ammeter

An instrument for measuring the current in a circuit. The manufacturer, Siemens & Halske, went on to become tech giant Siemens AG. This instrument was imported into the US by the James G Biddle Company.

This is a set of accessories for an optical bench, including a set of interchangeable slides with various lenses, pinholes, gratings, etc. for one to pass a beam of light through and observe the resulting diffraction patterns.

Société Genevoise d'Instruments Physiques Optical Bench Accessories

This is a set of accessories for an optical bench, including a set of interchangeable slides with various lenses, pinholes, gratings, etc. for one to pass a beam of light through and observe the resulting diffraction patterns.

Central Scientific Company Tensiometer.

Central Scientific Company Tensiometer

An instrument for measuring surface tension of a liquid using the du Noüy ring method. A container full of the liquid to be measured is placed on the metal disk, then raised up until the hanging wire ring is submerged in the liquid.

The TYPE 602 Decade - Resistance Box is an assembly of two or more TYPE MO Decade -Resistance Units in a single cabinet. Mechanical and electrical protection of the units is provided by the shielded walnut cabinet and aluminum panel, which completely enclose both the resistance units and switch contacts.

General Radio Decade Resistance Box Type 602-K

Resistance boxes are constantly used in circuits where a wide range of resistance values is required. TYPE 602 Decade - Resistance Boxes can also be used as laboratory standards and as ratio arms for direct- and alternating -current bridges.

.This is the 1231-B Amplifier and Null Detector. It has a height of 8 in.; width of 12.25 in.; and depth of 10.75 in. It weighs 23.75 pounds, including batteries. The amplifier has a built-in vacuum-tube voltmeter, which consists of a diode rectifier, a d-e amplifier, and the panel meter.

1231-B Amplifier and Null Detector

This apparatus was made by the General Radio Company. It is designed for use as a high-gain amplifier, as a sensitive null indicator for bridge measurements, and as a standing-wave indicator.

This portable precision potentiometer comes in a wooden case with an instruction manual on the inner lid of the box. It contains 2 rheostats, a pointer galvanometer and a reflecting galvanometer.

Honeywell Rubicon Portable Precision Potentiometer model 2733

This apparatus was made by Honeywell Rubicon. This is a piece of electrical engineering test equipment from the early 1930's. It is a battery-powered precision potentiometer used for measuring low voltages (0-1.61 volts) very precisely.

Potentiometer is comprised of a large metal box with several knobs on the top panel. These have labels such as: 'Aux EMF', 'Aux Pot', 'Galvanometer', 'range', 'SC', 'fine,' 'coarse, ' and 'GA sens.' An analog dial is labeled "Volt" and has a display of numbers that can be manipulated by turning the knobs. There are also two handles on both ends of the box. Instrument label includes Leeds & Northrup catalogue #7553 and serial number #1527443

Leeds & Northrup K-3 Universal Potentiometer

The potentiometer is used to measure voltages by comparison to a known reference voltage. The L&N K-3 universal potentiometer was the top-of-the-line research grade instrument used in industrial and university labs for best quality work.

The Bygrave position line slide ruler comes in a yellow extendable cylindrical tube with altitude to azimuthal readings.

Bygrave Position Line Slide Ruler

Bygrave Position Line slide ruler was used exclusively for navigation in the early 20th century. This particular model is a Mark IIA Bygrave slide rule developed at the air ministry of London circa 1930 by Captain L.C. Bygrave of the Royal Air Force.

GP Keller Button Balance is placed in a sealed wooden cabinet with 2 front drawers to store weights. There are 2 glass sides of the cabinet for users to see the gold colored balance placed inside. There is a upward sliding glass panel on the front to be able to put weights inside on the bars of the balance.

GP Keller Button Scale Balance

This was used to weigh gold "buttons" in assay offices. "Button" refers to the tiny speck of gold found in a sample of smelted ore, rather than a mechanical function of the balance. This instrument would have been used a precision balance in laboratories.

The Alnor Pyrocon comes in a blue velvet lined black fitted carrying case along with a 14 inch long flex probe and an instruction manual.

Alnor Pyrocon type 4000A

Made by the Alnor instrument company, the Alnor Pyrocon is a multi-purpose portable temperature measuring instrument. It can measure temperatures of flat surfaces, plastic material and even fluids.

Resistance box with 4 rotary switches with two 0-9 measurements; enclosed in a Bakelite case with solid nickel switch studs.

Leeds & Northrup Enclosed-switch resistance box model 4775

The main application of the resistance box is to control the specific value of current to flow through the circuit.

Weston portable and switchboard shunt with 2 adjustable knobs on either side with bolts for connecting wire. Consists of a central label titled "5 AMP SHUNT 50 MV DROP" Along with the name of the company "Weston Electrical Instrument Company".

Weston portable and switchboard shunt

Shunts are used as current bypass. It consists of one or many manganin conductors terminating copper blocks. This is a 50 millivolt drop shunt.

A brass compass mounted on a wooden box.

Compass

A compass is used for navigation. It uses a magnetized needle which aligns itself to the cardinal North.

A giant Brass compass on a wooden pedestal with a tripod stand.

James Queen Inclination Compass

Manufactured by the James W. Queen & Company, this instrument is called a dip circle, sometimes referred to as an inclination compass. It is a device for measuring the angle between the horizon and the magnetic field of Earth (the "dip angle").

Type 107-M Variable inductor has two coils, a rotor and a stator, mounted concentrically. As the position of the rotor is changed the coupling between the two coils changes and the inductance is varied. The coils are wound with stranded wire in which the separate strands are insulated from each other. The coils are impregnated and baked in a high -melting -point material before being securely mounted to the bakelite panel.

General Radio Variable Inductor type 107-M

The TYPE 107 Variable Inductors are useful in the laboratory as standards of moderate accuracy for measurements of self- and mutual inductance, and as components of bridges, oscillators, and simi- lar equipment where a variable inductor is needed as a cir

The K-2 potentiometer model 7552 has ranges of 0 to 1.61 volts, 0 to 1.161 volt and 0 to 0.0161 volt. The measuring circuit has 15 resistors of 5 ohms each with dial switch continuously adjusting slidewire of 5.5 ohms. The 3 current adjusting rheostats provide coarse, medium and fine adjustment of battery content. Comes with a polished mahogany case and cover.

Leeds & Northrup K-2 Potentiometer model 7552

The K-2 potentiometer model 7552 is a triple range precision potentiometer for general laboratory use. It has additional low range useful for thermocouple work and for checking industrial potentiometer pyrometers.

This Leeds & Northrup Adjustable Mica Capacitor model 1058 has capacitance of 1 microfarad in five sections of 0..5,0.2,0.2,0.05 and 0.05 microfards. It has knife switch connections in various series and multiple combinations. It comes in a mahogany case with a cover.

Leeds & Northrup Adjustable Mica Capacitor model 1058

The Leeds & Northrup Adjustable Mica Capacitor model 1058 was made for high precision measurements. They can be used as standards of comparison in ac bridge measurements at commercial, audio and higher frequencies.

Leeds & Northrup mounted resistor with 10000 ohm resistance comes in a mahogany case. The front has a title plate with the company name, address, and serial number of the instrument.

Leeds & Northrup Mounted Resistor model 4198-99

The mounted resistor model 4198-99 is used for damping a galvanometer or for protecting a galvanometer, standard cell or other instruments against excessive current. It provides a resistance of 10,000 ohms.

Leeds & Northrup Post-office pattern resistance box model 4252 comes in a mahogany case with 2 binding posts (on the left end in the image) and 16 resistor knobs of 1,2,3,4,10,20,30,40,100,200,300,400,1000,2000,3000,4000 ohms.

Leeds & Northrup Post-office pattern resistance box model 4252

This post office pattern resistance box has a total resistance of 11,110 ohms in 1 step increments. It is ideal for laboratory use.

Enclosed switch resistance box model 4770 with 2 dial switches of 9(1+10) decade switches. It comes in a molded bakelite case.

Leeds & Northrup Enclosed-switch resistance box model 4770

This switch resistance box comes with 99 ohms of resistance. The main application of the resistance box is to control the specific value of current to flow through the circuit.

The Rheostat consists of 2 dial decades 9 ohm and a 100 ohm resistor which is removable by short circuiting link with an adjustable slidewire of 1.1 ohms. Comes in a polished mahogany case.

Leeds & Northrup Resistance-Thermometer Bridge model 8063

LN resistance thermometer bridge model 8063 was used for moderate-precision temperature measurements by electrical resistance-thermometer method. It has a range from 0 to 200.1 Ohms and error limit of +/- 0.005 ohm up to 10 ohm and +/- 0.05 above 10 ohms.

This transformer is provided with two shields, one around each winding. A third shield effectively grounds the core laminations. The transformer is attached to a wooden board with binding knobs for use in laboratories.

General Radio Shielded Transformer model 578-C

Type 578 shielded transformer is necessary in a direct reading a -c bridge to isolate the bridge from changes of electrostatic potential in the external circuit and to reduce the effect of the capacitance of this external circuit to ground.