Accession No

1558

Brief Description

Bequerel phosphoroscope, originally belong to Henry Fox Talbot, by J. Duboscq, French, 2/2 19th Century

Origin

France; Paris

Maker

Duboscq, J.

Class

optical

Earliest Date

1850

Latest Date

1900

Inscription Date

Material

metal (brass, oxidised brass); wood; glass

Dimensions

length 160mm; breadth 145mm; height 150mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Transferred from the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge in 12/1949. Donated by his son, C.H. Talbot, to the University in 1903. Originally owned by Henry Fox Talbot.

Inscription

‘Phosphoroscope de E. Becquerel
J. Duboscq à Paris’ (one side of main chamber)
‘This Instrument
formerly beloning to
Henry Fox Talbot M.A. F.R.S.
was presented to the University
by his son C.H. Talbot 1903’ (other side of main chamber)

Description Notes

Brass and oxidised brass drum containing disc with sectors cut out of it which is turned by a series of gear wheels outside the drumand driven by a wooden handle. A tube on top of the instrument allows the scintillations to be viewed. Brass drawer slots into side of drum to carry sample crystal (handle of drawer missing, also supporting cork for sample).
Carries label marked ‘Bequerel Phosphoroscope by Dubosq [sic], Paris Formerly property of Henry Fox Talbot F.R.S. From University Chemical Laboratory Dec. 49.’

Condition good; complete.

References

Events