"Newton's Prism For Diffraction, Circa 1890"
Triangular prism called Newton used in experiments of diffraction or decomposition of light. The prism is mounted in a brass triangle connected to a wheel allowing it to pivot on itself. The whole on a blackened brass arm resting on a sliding tube in order to adjust the instrument in height. The prism measures 8.5cm in height and 3.3cm on the side; the whole at the lowest 36cm in height. Note the perfect condition of the original prism which does not have a single small chip. The instrument is not signed but certainly French around 1880-1890. Rare in such beautiful condition.