Physics Experiments for Everyone; German Makers

摘要

Demonstration or didactic science instruments have been made since at least the early 18th century. Many of the well-known makers of fine professional and domestic instruments also supplied instruments used to teach the principles of experimental philosophy (physics), astronomy and chemistry in an as clear and transparent a manner as possible. Occasionally didactic instruments were also useful for semi-quantitative experimentation, allowing more advanced amateurs and students to verify the laws governing basic phenomena. Until the middle of the 19th century demonstration instruments were crafted in small numbers and were bought primarily by a few elite schools, academies, itinerant lecturers, and wealthy households.