Name/Title
HygrometerEntry/Object ID
2013.3.43Description
A portable model (with refinements) of the Saussure type, It was bought by Dr. Caldwell of Pixii, Paris. This particular hygrometer, according to the catalogue descriptions, is activated through employment of a human hair. Vol IX (p. 35 and plate CCXLVII) of the 3rd edition of the Encyclopœdia Brittanica refers as follows to Saussure's Portable Hygrometer, "Apparently the fixed (great) and the portable hygrometers were first described by Saussure in an article (essay) on Hygrometers published in 1783. Suassure was a professor of philosophy at Geneva. The human hair is the activating agent in both types."
Our instrument is complete and in good condition except that the original silk cloth panels are missing.Collection
Moosnick Museum - Scientific Apparatus