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Resistance Box

Astronomy

This is a small resistance box. It consists of a varnished rectangular wooden box onto which a polished black top (probably slate). On top of this are some metal elements: Two parallel bars with knurled knobs at each end, with four smaller bars set between them, these are numbered 1/10, 1/100, 1/1000 and 1/10000. A metal ‘key’ with a plastic handle fits into one of four circular spaces between each of these four smaller bars and one of the parallel bars.

Accession Number: 2018.ast.64

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials:

Wood; Stone: Slate; Metal: Copper Alloy; Plastic

Markings:

On the stone top of the box: “KIPP DELFT HOLLAND No86”

“GALV”

Dimensions (cm): Length: 15, Width: 7.8, Height: 11.5

Function:

A resistance box allows the selection of differing values of resistance. This box may have a specialised use.

Condition:

Very Good: The wood and slate top of the box are in excellent condition. The surface of the metal elements, which have been coated in an orange substance, is worn away beneath the knobs and where the plug has been removed and replaced.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer:

P.J. Kipp & Zonen, Delft, Holland

Date of Manufacture: 1930s

Provenance:

This object was likely moved from the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill in 2008, upon the sale of the observatory. It was stored at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics until 2017, when it was moved to a new storage location in McLennan Physical Laboratories.

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

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