Physical and Chemical Measurement

Introduction

Thermometer

Barometer

A barometer is an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.

Hygrometer

To 1790

For scientific and technical use, it is essential to measure the degree of hotness and coldness of a body.   Galileo Galilei, the famous Italian scientist, made the first crude thermometers from water in tubes in 1592.   Although they were inaccurate, they were a valuable start to bringing a common measure to an important characteristic of matter. ^{Asimov 142}

In 1714, Daniel Fahrenheit invented a mercury thermometer that was very accurate and is still used today.   Mercury stays liquid at very low and very high temperatures, produces very little water vapor, and expands and contracts evenly at different temperatures, features water had not. ^{Asimov 207}

1790-1799

1800-1809

1810-1819

1820-1829

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