Measure Temperature Within Millionth of a Degree. Using an instrument that will measure temperature changes down to a millionth of a degree, a group of Northwestern University chemists are studying basic problems connected with amino acids which are closely related to hemoglobin in the blood and other protein substances which are still a mystery to scientists. Intended for use in the study of infinitesimal heat changes, the instrument, called a micro-calimeter by its inventors, Prof. Frank T. Gucker, Dr. Hugh Pickard and Dr. Ralph Planck of the chemistry department, can measure the amount of heat produced when sugar dissolves in water. Amino acids are formed by the decomposition of proteins in water, and the temperature changes are recorded on a scale so enlarged that one degree would qual a mile if the measuring rod were extended that long. Photo shows Dr. Pickard at the recording chart, foreground, as Prof. Gucker studied the sealed vessels in which solutions are placed during experiments. Changes in temperatures in one sealed vessel are determined by measuring the amount of electrical energy required to heat the water in another vessel to the same degree.

Wide World Photos, Inc. · [ca. January 1939]

[Information from item housing] Inventions