19th Century Saccharimeter E H Sargent & Co Jpsef & Jan Fric science instrument

Description

Hello everyone I am back cleaning out my aunt and uncles house. Tons of great items to come.
A early 19th century Saccharimeter Polarimeter scientific instrument by Joseph & Jan Friction Prague. Sold by E. H. Sargent & Co Chicago 1227.
A
saccharimeter is an instrument for measuring the concentration of sugar solutions. This is commonly achieved using a measurement of refractive index (refractometer) or the angle of rotation of polarization of optically active sugars (polarimeter).
The National Bureau of Standards was established in 1901 and given responsibility for standardizing the saccharimeters and other instruments used to assess the quality of sugar coming into the United States.
Frederick Bates joined the Bureau in 1903. In 1907 he described a quartz compensating polariscope with adjustible sensibility which allowed observers to admit only as much light as was needed and thus preserve as much accuracy as possible. Bates asked J & J Fric of Bohemia to manufacture instruments of this sort for the U.S. Customs Service. The agency transferred this example to the Smithsonian in 1999. Instrument is in excellent original condition. Wonderful patina and finish. I would say this is in great condition and all parts are working beautifully. A fine early JOSEPH & Jan Fric instrument example. 16 5/8” tall. 20 3/4” long. Please email questions. Thanks