Polar weighing—an Oertling balance in Antarctica
Nicola H. Williams A *A Formerly School of Chemistry, Monash University, Vic. 3800, Australia.
Historical Records of Australian Science 33(2) 133-146 https://doi.org/10.1071/HR21013
Published: 28 June 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Academy of Science.
Abstract
Scales and spring balances have been part of the equipment of polar expeditions since the explorations of the nineteenth century, but precision beam balances have also been included, specifically, those made by the London instrument firm of L. Oertling. In this paper, the reasons for taking such delicate instruments into such adverse conditions are discussed, as well as some of the logistical and practical problems involved in their transport, storage, and probable use.
Keywords: analytical balance, Antarctica, ice, Mawson, Oertling, salinity, Shackleton.
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