Bar magnets, over time, lose some of their intensity. From time to time, a top-up’s in order, using this glorious little contraption.
Two magnets, a conducting bar, and the fantastic sound of BZZZZ-THUNK as those iron atoms line up. Cool!
Magnetizer
Month: April 2026
Foot Candle Meter
Sometimes you stumble across little gems, squirreled away in the back closets, like these illuminance meters, acquired in March of 1964. Sadly, no cost etched into the side. Eventually, these were replaced with more modern versions, before being phased out of labs entirely.
We can guess how they were used – being next to a box of slide frames with a rainbow of color filters – and assume they’re not making a comeback. But check out all of that tiny, mid-century text crammed on there!
- “Below normal for good visibility”
- “Satisfactory for book print and general work”
- “Suitable for ordinary reading such as newsprint”
- “Prolonged eye effort, requiring excellent visibility”
Especially intrigued at the specific note about newsprint requiring twice the incident light of other reading, writing, and general tasks.
Cat Litter Pan
Equipment from the Chemistry folks in need of repair. Delivered in what, we assume, was the easiest to acquire and least expensive option.
The cat owner seems pleased with the situation. The cat? The cat looks intense.
Optics Table
When a table is wider than the doorway it’s meant to fit through, it’s time to get creative.
When that table top is for an optics setup, and weighs about 400 kg, creativity involves some sturdy equipment.
Step two: make certain it’s exactly where it wants to stay for the next decade or two.