Plattner's Blowpipe

Plattner's Blowpipe
view Plattner's Blowpipe digital asset number 1
AUTHOR:
Turner, Steven
SUBJECT:
Smithson, James 1765-1829
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
Number of Images: 1; Color: Color ; Size: 4.8w x 3.6h ; Type of Image: Object; Medium: Digital Image
TYPE:
Object
Digital Image
DATE:
1820
CATEGORY:
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
NOTES:
This blowpipe is from the National Museum of American History chemistry collection.
SUMMARY:
A Plattner's blowpipe was an instrument used by 18th and 19th century chemists. The blowpipe is the type of instrument used by James Smithson (1765-1829), a chemist, mineralogist, and founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution. Blowpipes were made in different sizes and designs. The Plattner's blowpipe was made to be used for long periods without a break. The trumpet shaped mouthpiece helped keep the lips from getting tired and a reservoir on the end collected saliva. It also had a small platinum tip, which kept it from melting when held in a flame for long periods.
CONTAINED WITHIN:
National Museum of American History, History of Chemistry Collection
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
TOPIC:
Chemistry
Scientific apparatus and instruments
Research--Equipment and supplies
Chemistry--Experiments
Blowpipe
Chemical apparatus
Artifacts
STANDARD NUMBER:
IMG_2430 or IMG_2430Blowpipe
RESTRICTIONS:
No restrictions
DATA SOURCE:
Smithsonian Archives - History Div