Measuring
Measuring is one of the most important processes in the construction of knowledge, making it possible to identify patterns, deviations and anomalies. In order to achieve accuracy, special instruments have been designed, also by the University of Porto, for teaching and research.
General view of the displays at the exhibition "O Museu à minha procura"Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Weights and measurements
Order, hierarchy, quantity, dimension: these are basic concepts in all human knowledge processes. And they are established by a simple act - measuring.
Swordfish skeleton (Xiphias gladius) (2023) by Mª Angeles Prieto LeónNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Swordfish skeleton
The swordfish is a bony fish found off the coast of Portugal, usually swimming alone and inhabiting both shallow and deep waters. It can grow up to 4.5 metres in length. The MHNC-UP's specimen is 4.2 metres long.
A measuring eye
A remarkable feature of the swordfish is its eye, which has a gland that adapts to different temperatures. This sensory adaptation ensures effective vision even in environments with large thermal variations.
Where to measure?
Even a hummingbird, known as 'the world's smallest bird', can be measured in a number of ways: body size, beak size, wing beat or even by its colour. The MHNC-UP is home to one of the largest collections of hummingbirds in Europe.
Measuring colour
They can see more colours than humans. This visual complexity is related to evolutionary adaptations associated with nectar gathering and mate identification, which are fundamental to the survival and reproduction of these birds.
Specimens of swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon)Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Measuring variability
When studying specimens such as the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio machaon, from the Tenente-Coronel António Figueira collection, measurements are taken in the hope of comparing the phenotypic variation between individuals of the same species.
Measuring strength
These arrowheads from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages in Portugal have been meticulously measured and categorised according to their shape. These analyses provide evidence of the technological and cultural evolution of the ancient societies that produced them.
"Homo afer taganus" bust (1938) by Sculptor Agostinho RodriguesNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
A ‘new’ human sub-species
Comparative measurements of different skulls led the anthropologist António Mendes Correia to believe that he had discovered a new fossil human subspecies, Homo afer taganus. He wanted to use this bust to illustrate the prehistoric man of Muge, and thus substantiate his theory.
Measuring and backtracking
Today, science has concluded that the species found in Muge actually belongs to our own species - Homo sapiens sapiens.
Measuring the unseen
Scientific instrumentation is fundamental to assessing dimensions and properties and understanding phenomena. These instruments are designed to provide precise measurements that allow in-depth analysis of biological or physical processes.
A nickel-plated steel standard metre is used as an accurate length calibration reference in laboratories and other institutions. It is used to calibrate and check the accuracy of other length measuring instruments, ensuring reliable and consistent measurements in scientific experiments and industrial applications.
An electrotherapy timer is used to measure the application time of therapeutic electrical currents and allows healthcare professionals to accurately monitor the duration of electrotherapy sessions, ensuring that treatment is carried out according to medical protocols and is safe for the patient.
An electronic integrator with a Geiger-Müller probe is used to measure exposure to ionising radiation, converting signals detected by the Geiger-Müller tube into a quantitative measurement over time, which is essential for monitoring control in nuclear and medical environments.
A Dolezalek quadrant electrometer is an instrument used to measure the intensity of electric charge, based on the deflection of an electrically charged pendulum.
Polygraph, University of Porto Law School: A polygraph measures the body's physiological responses, such as heartbeat, breathing and skin activity, to assess the truthfulness of answers during an interrogation.
Syringes, from the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto: syringes accurately measure and administer specific volumes of fluids or medicines in medical and laboratory procedures.
Acknowledgements:
Faculdade de Medicina Dentária da Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Porto
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