Museo Galileo
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Viviani's paper-ribbon hygrometer
    • Setting:
      Room IX
    • Inventor:
      Vincenzo Viviani
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Date:
      second half 17th cent.
    • Materials:
      brass
    • Dimensions:
      length 600 mm, height 110 mm
    • Inventory:
      2436
    • Viviani's paper-ribbon hygrometer (Inv. 2436)

Hygrometer of the type invented or perfected by Vincenzo Viviani. The hygroscopic substance is a paper ribbon. The brass bar has a small turned column at each end. The columns carry two small rolls on which the ends of the paper ribbon are wrapped. The ribbon is weighted at the center by a wooden staff carrying a small pointer (the ribbon and staff are modern restorations). The changes in atmospheric humidity cause variations in the length of the paper ribbon, which are registered on a scale. This instrument is identical, even in size, to item inv. 3, 2437.