Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Hydrometer |
Object Name |
Hydrometer |
Object ID |
2007.127.012 |
Description |
Small, glass hydrometer with mercury filled bulb; top end has hook; scribed line at center of tube |
Dimensions |
H-2.5 W-0.5 Dia-1.5 inches |
Material |
Glass, Mercury |
Search Terms |
Hydrometer Mercury Specific Gravity Glassware |
Provenance |
A hydrometer is an instrument used for determining the specific gravity of liquids. It is usually made of glass and consists of a cylindrical graduated stem and a bulb weighted with mercury or shot to make it float upright. The liquid is poured into a tall jar, and the hydrometer is gently lowered into the liquid until it floats freely. Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of the test liquid to that of water. This particular hydrometer has a scale calibrated for the "proof" of alcohol water mixtures. |