Polariscope

Polarized light passed through a crystal or sample, and the colors that appeared showed hidden properties of the material.

Date: ca. 1834-1844
Maker: Soleil
Place: France: Île-de-France, Paris
Dimensions: overall: 15 in x 13 in; 38.1 cm x 33.02 cm; overall: 16 7/8 in x 12 3/4 in x 5 1/2 in; 42.8625 cm x 32.385 cm x 13.97 cm
Museum: National Museum of American History
Credit line: U.S. Military Academy

Here, a hollow brass tube (13 inches long) sits atop a brass stand (15 inches high). At one end of the tube is a glass mirror that can be aimed in various directions. At the other is an eyepiece with an analyzer, and a graduated circle. The “Soleil Fils Opticien / Rue de l’Odéon No 35 à Paris” inscription on the side of the tube refers to J. B. F. Soleil, an optical instrument maker who opened a shop at this address in 1825 and who, for a while, used the term “Fils” to distinguish himself from his father, who also made optical instruments. The U.S. Military Academy bought this instrument between 1834 and 1844.

This form was often associated with the French physicist, Jean-Baptists Biot.

Ref: Lerebours & Secretan, Catalogue et Prix des Instruments d'Optique, de Physique, de Chimie (Paris, 1853).

The museum's own record (Smithsonian, National Museum of American History)

Polariscope

Also by Soleil see all

Also made in Paris see all

Also answering “What can't the eye see?” see all