Developing Instruments for 175 years

摘要

This year, Palmer Instruments Inc., Asheville, N.C., celebrates its 175th anniversary. Started in 1836 as the L.T. Wells and J. Foster Mathematical and Philosophical Instrument Makers in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company became the James Foster Jr. Co. in 1852. The need to improve kerosene safety in the 1850s led to the development of the Foster automatic oil tester, a closed-cup design instrument considered by many to be the first thermometer manufactured in the United States.