Prof. C. V. Boys's Apparatus at the Science Museum

Abstract

PROF. C. V. BOYS has recently presented to the Science Museum, South Kensington, some very interesting examples of his early experimental work. His use of quartz is shown in one case, where the bow which he employed in 1889 in the preparation of quartz fibres by the well-known “bow-and-arrow” method is exhibited, together with examples of arrows used with it. Several of the fibres made by him in this way are exhibited, as well as the first quartz bulb ever blown. Soon after his successful production of quartz fibres, Prof. Boys utilised this material in an attempt to determine the constant of gravitation with a modified form of the Cavendish apparatus. He showed that increase of sensitivity could be accompanied by a considerable reduction in size, thus greatly reducing convection troubles. A small experimental apparatus made in 1889 served to demonstrate that consistent and accurate results could be obtained in this way, and as a result of the experience thus gained, a somewhat larger apparatus was made and used between 1889 and 1894 for the determination of the gravitational constant. Both instruments are now exhibited together, and form a permanent record of Boys's classical determination of this most important constant. In addition to the above, the following pieces of apparatus due to Prof. Boys are also on exhibition: the original experimental radio-micrometer, a portion of a new form of difference engine, and two electrometers, both dating from about 1891.