The spectrogoniometer: an instrument on the border between mineralogy, chemistry and physics
Today, we turn our attention to goniometry: not the abstract geometry of pen and paper, but the practical measurement of crystals by means of spectrogoniometers. Instruments such as the one shown here, manufactured by the Lingke-Hildebrand firm in 1892, represent a remarkable example of nineteenth-century precision technology. Sophisticated and highly accurate, these instruments played a fundamental role in the development of mineralogy and crystallography. To discover the history and uses of this instrument we invite you to follow us here.
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Carl Pulfrich and One of His Most Celebrated Instruments
Do you recognise this device? It is the Pulfrich Universal Refractometer, an instrument designed to measure the refractive index of both solid and liquid materials. This property is of great significance, for every substance allows light to pass through it at different velocities; the refractive index thus constitutes a distinctive hallmark of the material itself. Should you wish to learn more about its operation and about its distinguished inventor, we invite you to follow us here.
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