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Arc Lamp

Physics

This is a small adjustable arc lamp on a microscope-like stand. It consists of two rectangular plates of metal set next to each other; set in the middle of each there is a large round knob, one of which has a wing nut screwed onto a screw that bisects the two. Between the plates is a rod that allows the lamp to be slid back and forth. At the front of the lamp is a hood that can be flapped up for access to the arc lamp. The hood has a small round window on each side. At the back of the plates on both sides there are protruding metal posts, one marked “+” and the other “-“. Attached to the apparatus are wires insulated by blue glass beads. A small metal chain dangles loose from the apparatus.

Accession Number: 2009.ph.133

Alternative Name: Carbon Arc Lamp

Primary Materials: Metal, Glass

Markings:

The knob on one side of metal box has inscriptions “CARL ZEISS, JENA” and “H”. The other side reads “V”.

Dimensions (cm): Height = 24.5, Width = 9.5, Length = 35

Function:

An arc lamp serves a very bright UV-rich light source.

Condition:

Fair: The metal surfaces of the lamp are somewhat corroded. The chain-link adjustment apparatus is broken, as is one of the small round windows on each side of the hood.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss AG, Jena, Germany

Date of Manufacture: c. 1913

Provenance:

Additional Information and References:

Compare with <a href=http://www.archive.zeiss.de/hzeig.FAU?sid=3C1408BF423&dm=3&ind=3&zeig=2741>this similar 1913 lamp (“bogenlampe”)</a> available through Zeiss as part of a Microprojection Apparatus.

Historical Notes:

Carl Zeiss (1816-1888) was a German manufacturer of optical instruments. Carl Zeiss AG is his company.

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