Signedunsigned
Inscribedin black crayon on box front: PRISMS
in pencil on box lid: [Do not] / tilt
on paper taped to box lid: 10/17/72 / R. Reed, / Antique / Prisms for Spectrograph / HCO Property -- Was stored at Agassiz / Probably made under George Bond administration. / Should be given to D. Wheatland, H. U. / Curator of Historical + Scientific Instruments. / D. H. Menzel.
FunctionThis six-prism train for a direct-vision spectroscope was used to disperse light so that the user could better detect the spectral lines of elements composing the source of the light. This example was attached to the tailpiece of a telescope for astrophysical research. Similar devices could be used spectroscopic work in chemical laboratories.
Historical AttributesThis prism train is for a direct vision astronomical spectroscope used at the Harvard College Observatory. It was likely made under the George Bond administration. It was later moved to the Agassiz Station.
Primary SourcesJ. Norman Lockyer, Contributions to Solar Physics (London, 1874) shows Lockyer observing solar prominences with a similar instrument, circa 1868.
ProvenanceHarvard College Observatory, Cambridge; transfer to Agassiz Station; courtesy of Donald H. Menzel, director of the Harvard College Observatory, transferred to CHSI, 1972.