Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
July 29, 1815
The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A query submitted to scientific readers questioning whether standard thermometers accurately measure equal increments of heat, arguing that expansions in both mercury and glass tubes affect readings, rendering them imprecise. Signed T.S.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
QUERY.—TO THE SCIENTIFIC.
Do the equally graduated parts of the Thermometers now in use, indicate equal increments or decrements of heat?
The writer of this article thinks not. He thinks so, because the glass tube which contains the Mercury, as well as the Mercury itself, is known to be affected by the prevailing temperature. The capacity of the tube is sometimes greater, and sometimes smaller, and, therefore, equal expansions of the Mercury, will not cause its column to rise by equal degrees, since the column is increased in diameter, by the same cause that increases its height. If this reasoning be correct, our Thermometers are formed on erroneous principles, and never give us the true temperature. The question, however, is submitted to all lovers of scientific truth.
T. S.
QUERY.—TO THE SCIENTIFIC.
Do the equally graduated parts of the Thermometers now in use, indicate equal increments or decrements of heat?
The writer of this article thinks not. He thinks so, because the glass tube which contains the Mercury, as well as the Mercury itself, is known to be affected by the prevailing temperature. The capacity of the tube is sometimes greater, and sometimes smaller, and, therefore, equal expansions of the Mercury, will not cause its column to rise by equal degrees, since the column is increased in diameter, by the same cause that increases its height. If this reasoning be correct, our Thermometers are formed on erroneous principles, and never give us the true temperature. The question, however, is submitted to all lovers of scientific truth.
T. S.
What sub-type of article is it?
Science Or Medicine
What keywords are associated?
Thermometer Accuracy
Mercury Expansion
Glass Tube Effect
Temperature Measurement
Scientific Query
What entities or persons were involved?
T. S.
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Accuracy Of Thermometers In Measuring Heat Increments
Stance / Tone
Skeptical Inquiry Challenging Thermometer Precision
Key Figures
T. S.
Key Arguments
Glass Tube And Mercury Both Expand With Temperature
Tube Capacity Varies, Affecting Mercury Column Rise
Equal Mercury Expansions Do Not Yield Equal Height Increments Due To Diameter Changes
Thermometers Based On Erroneous Principles If Reasoning Holds