Air analysis, historical artwork
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Air analysis, historical artwork
19th century air analysis. Historical artwork of the equipment used by French chemists Dumas and Boussingault in the mid-19th century to determine the relative proportions of the gases in air. The equipment comprises a glass ball (left, marked B) attached to a glass tube (T) containing red hot copper in a furnace. The tap r (centre) maintains a vacuum in these until the experiment is begun. The weights of the ball and tube are noted, and the taps opened. This draws in air through the apparatus at right, comprising filters of potash (potassium carbonate, in balls L and U-tubes f) and sulphuric acid (in balls O) and sulphuric acid and pumice (in U-tubes t). These remove carbon dioxide and water. The oxygen then reacts with the copper in T, leaving just nitrogen to pass into B, which is then reweighed
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Media ID 6468051
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1873 Analysing Apparatus Atmospheric Camille Flammarion Composition Experiment Glass Ware History Of Science Nitrogen Oxygen The Atmosphere Dumas False Coloured Laboratory Physical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable piece of historical artwork from the 19th century, depicting the intricate equipment used by French chemists Dumas and Boussingault to analyze air composition. The image transports us back in time to witness their groundbreaking experiment unfold. The focal point of this artwork is a glass ball on the left, marked as "B" connected to a glass tube labeled "T". Inside this apparatus lies red hot copper in a furnace, ready for action. A central tap labeled "r" maintains a vacuum until the experiment commences. The weights of both the ball and tube are meticulously noted before opening the taps. To determine the relative proportions of gases present in air, an elaborate system is employed on the right side. Filters consisting of potassium carbonate (in balls L and U-tubes f) and sulphuric acid (in balls O) are utilized along with sulphuric acid and pumice (in U-tubes t). These filters effectively eliminate carbon dioxide and water from entering further into the process. As air passes through these filters, oxygen reacts with copper inside T while nitrogen continues its journey into B. After completion, B is reweighed to assess any changes caused by this chemical reaction. This stunning illustration not only captures our imagination but also provides valuable insights into scientific advancements during that era. It serves as a testament to human curiosity and ingenuity in unraveling nature's mysteries through meticulous experimentation.
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