What is it about?
The paper analysed the thermal linearity of linseed, that Newton used as a thermomemetric liquid in his thermometers. The properties of this thermometric liquid were not investigated. Now we know that Newton made a good choice and his observations were very precise.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Different thermometric liquids were used in early thermometers, e.g. water, spirit of wine (more or less ppoorly refined ethyl alcool including some water) quicksilver, linseed oil. Linseed oil had excellent thermal properties, but it did not become popular because it stuck to the sides of the capillary tube.
Perspectives
The knowledge of early instruments and observations is not mere historical curiosity, but helps to interpret and/or correct early data and assess an accurate vale of the climate change, often obscured by instrumental bias that have characterized the early period
Dr, Prof Dario Camuffo
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Newton linseed oil thermometer: an evaluation of its departure from linearity, Weather, March 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/wea.2909.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
