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This is an authentic mid-20th-century scientific laboratory instrument designed for polarimetry, the measurement of optical rotation in optically active substances. Kern full-circle polarimeters were used in chemistry, pharmacy, physics and educational laboratories. Historical references document this type of Kern instrument in laboratory instruction and scientific work.
Included with this sale
- Kern Aarau Full-Circle Polarimeter
- Serial No. 92527
- Original fitted wooden carrying/storage case
- Original leather carrying handle
- Original green felt-lined supports
- Original instruction plate
- Optical/measuring assembly
- Glass measuring/sample tube shown in the photographs
- Original adjustment and mounting hardware
The instrument is clearly marked:
Kern AARAU SUISSE
No 92527
Made in Switzerland
The inside of the case also retains the original Kern instruction plate titled:
“Brief instructions for using the Kern full-circle polarimeter.”
The instructions describe adjusting illumination, setting the penumbra and vernier, inserting the tube containing the solution, and reading the circular scale in degrees.
Vintage scientific instrument
This is an excellent piece for a scientific-instrument collector, chemistry/physics memorabilia collection, educational laboratory display, vintage laboratory décor, or someone interested in the history of analytical instrumentation.
The instrument has the distinctive optical design and circular scale associated with Kern's full-circle polarimeters. Similar Kern instruments are documented in university scientific collections dating from the mid-20th century.
