From the Cabinet of Physics: Using a Single-Prism Spectroscope

Here is an instrument dear to the hearts of astrophysicists: the spectroscope. We see the steps involved in observing the spectrum of an arc light. The vintage single-prism spectroscope is provided with a scale to measure features of the spectrum; it’s notable that in the gas-lit era when this instrument was used, a separate burner was needed to illuminate the scale…

During the 19th century the spectroscope, which allows its user to investigate all the wavelengths shining from a light source, became an essential tool of chemistry. Later, in combination with large telescopes, the spectroscope also proved invaluable to astronomy. In the 20th century, its measurements provided the foundation for unraveling the nature of the atom and the laws of quantum physics.

The Foundation for Science and Technics, or Fondazione Scienza e Tecnica, of Florence, Italy, has made available many videos exploring the Cabinet of Physics, a large collection of antique scientific demonstration instruments.  The Foundation’s homepage may be found here, and its Youtube channel, florencefst, here.