A recently acquired 19th-century Chinese steelyard or so-called “opium balance” with an 11” ivory beam and accompanying “teardrop” storage case
Issue 39 briefly outlines the history and principles underlying traditional single pan or “steelyard” balances and illustrates their evolution using examples from our museum collections.
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Our recently acquired bust of Epicurus
(341-270 BC)
Issue 38 describes a recently acquired bust of the Greek philosopher Epicurus and his importance to the history of atomism.
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The mysterious antique bottle of “sulfur iodide.”
Issue 37 explores the consequences of trying to determine the true contents of an antique bottle of so-called “sulfur iodide” recently donated to the museum.
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An overview of OSHA’s rating system for laboratory chemicals
Issue 36 provides a brief insight into the history of labeling chemical bottles.
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Hans Jaffé (1919-1989)
Issue 35 recounts the recent discovery of a plaster model of the electron density of naphthalene discovered in the bottom drawer of one of the filing cabinets belonging to the late Hans Jaffé, who served as the UC chemistry department’s specialist in quantum mechanics from 1954-1989.
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Dr. William B. Jensen has added three new Museum Booklets to the series on the history of chemical apparatus. These new titles are:
Each booklet contains several photos and illustrations of the chemical instruments and people involved in these aspects of chemistry history. You can access all the booklets by clicking here.
A surviving set of “spirit bubbles:” for testing the
proof of alcoholic beverages.
Issue 34 explores some of the curious uses of glass balls to approximate the density of liquids.
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Our recently acquired Youden null-point pH meter. The Moir electrode system, minus one of the salt bridges, is to the left and a circa 1940 bottle of quinhydrone is displayed between it and the meter.
Issue 33 describes a recently acquired compact pH meter from the 1940s that uses a quinhydrone electrode, rather than either a hydrogen electrode or a standard glass electrode.
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The circa 1949 Craig cylindrical countercurrent
distribution apparatus recently donated to the Oesper Collections by Dr. Edward Bennett (Jensen-Thomas Apparatus Collection).
Issue 32 describes the recent acquisition of an even earlier version of a Craig countercurrent distribution apparatus than the version that was described in issue 3 of 2010.
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The restored 1913 Foster flashpoint apparatus.
Issue 31 of Museum Notes recounts some of the puzzles that have confronted the museum curator when it comes to identifying the nature and use of some of the items that are donated to the museum.
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