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Cells

Physics

A black plastic casing with two terminals on top with labels “+” and “-“. The plastic casing contains an H-shaped glass tube. The tube contains a small quantity mercury. The glass tube is held in the case with a string.

Accession Number: 2009.ph.121

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Plastic, Mercury, Metal, String

Markings:

The front of the casing is labeled “EPLAB”, “REC. U.S. PAT. OFF.”, “STUDENTS’ CELL”, “DO NOT SHORT CIRCUIT OR CONNECT TO VOLTMETER”, and “THE EPPLEY LABORATORY INC. NEWPORT R.I. MADE IN U.S.A.”

A number is scratched into the plastic: “1587”

A red label reads, “1.0154 VOLTS”

Also on the front is a gold sticker, partly scratched off. Visible is: “Central Sc?????fic Co. SCIENTIFIC ???ORATORY INSTRUMENTS ???? ???PARATUS CHICAGO USA NEW YORK – BOSTON – TORONTO – LOS ANGELES”

The side of the cell has a sticker reading: “DEM OF INNARDS”.

On the base of the cell a number is scratched into the plastic: “291150”

A piece of scotch tape is stuck to the front. It reads: “PHY 817B” This is possibly an old catalogue number.

Dimensions (cm):

Height = 3.5cm, length = 13cm, width = 7.5cm

Function: Mercury cell for providing voltage.

Condition:

Fair. The case is somewhat dusty and scratched.

The two halves of the cell are separate, making the insides easy to access. It appears this is deliberate, perhaps to demonstrate the content of a cell like this (“Dem of innards”.

Associated Instruments: 2009.ph.120, 2009.ph.121

Manufacturer:

The Eppley Laboratory Inc., Newport, Rhode Island, Made in U.S.

Date of Manufacture: c. 1960

Provenance:

University of Toronto Department of Physics

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

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