Hall-type kinesimeter
Date: circa 1893
Inventory Number: WJ0040
Classification: Kinesimeter
Subject:
Maker: Adam Pfeifer
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
31.5 x 42 x 33.5 cm (12 3/8 x 16 9/16 x 13 3/16 in.)
DescriptionThis instrument is made of a brass rectangular table supported by four legs. In the middle, there is a rectangular opening over which runs a small car. Its wheels fit into tracks on either side of the opening. At each end of the opening are grooved wheels, or pulleys, about which pass an endless string. The latter can be clamped to the side of the car so that when the pulleys are put in motion, the car moves on the tracks.
This small car consists of a square brass frame supported by four wheels. Joining the two sides of the frame are two crosspieces having between them a one centimeter space. Within that space, and sliding along the crosspiece, is an adjustable screw which can be moved from one side of the car to the other through a distance of four centimeters. One crosspiece is marked off into millimeters and the sliding screw has an index to determine its position. Through the center runs a vertical rod, which can be moved up and down. The lower part bears a curved arm, at each end of which holds counterpoised weights in cups. These can be removed and replaced by special parts used for the study of temperature on skins and muscular sensations.
On one side of the table's middle opening lies a broken level.
This small car consists of a square brass frame supported by four wheels. Joining the two sides of the frame are two crosspieces having between them a one centimeter space. Within that space, and sliding along the crosspiece, is an adjustable screw which can be moved from one side of the car to the other through a distance of four centimeters. One crosspiece is marked off into millimeters and the sliding screw has an index to determine its position. Through the center runs a vertical rod, which can be moved up and down. The lower part bears a curved arm, at each end of which holds counterpoised weights in cups. These can be removed and replaced by special parts used for the study of temperature on skins and muscular sensations.
On one side of the table's middle opening lies a broken level.
In Collection(s)
Signedon plate: ADAM PFEIFER / BALTIMORE, MD.
Inscribedstenciled on plate: 501
on small brass knob: CAJON / patented Ultra-TORR
on small brass knob: CAJON / patented Ultra-TORR
FunctionThis instrument was used to study dermal and muscular sensations in psychological experiments.
Historical AttributesThis instrument is found in Hugo Münsterberg's 1893 Psychological Laboratory of Harvard University document. It is thus listed: "101. Kinesimeter. After Hall, by Pfeifer, Baltimore. $81."
See online reproduction here.
See online reproduction here.
Primary SourcesHugo Münsterberg's 1893 inventory of Harvard's Psychological Laboratory apparatus is located in Harvard University Archives HUF 715.93.72.
G. Stanley Hall and Henry H. Donalson, "Motor Sensations of the Skin," Mind 10 (1885): 557-572.
Henry H. Donaldson, "On the Temperature-Sense," Mind 10 (1885): 399-416.
G. Stanley Hall and Henry H. Donalson, "Motor Sensations of the Skin," Mind 10 (1885): 557-572.
Henry H. Donaldson, "On the Temperature-Sense," Mind 10 (1885): 399-416.