Galilean Thermometer Not So Galilean

• Autores: Peter Loyson
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 89, Nº 9, 2012, págs. 1095-1096
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • A Galilean thermometer is a device for measuring the temperature of a liquid based on the density variation with temperature. It is named after Galileo Galilei, the famous Italian physicist, who apparently invented it. This article examines whether he did invent this Galilean thermometer and shows that he invented another type of thermometer, called a thermoscope or air thermometer, which is something completely different. The credit for developing the “Galilean thermometer” must go to the Accademia del Cimento, a research organization active in Florence from 1657 to 1667 under the leadership of Ferdinand II, Grand Duke of Tuscany. It is suggested that the “Galilean thermometer” should instead be called a “Florentine thermometer” after the place where it was developed.