Thermometer
This feat is conventionally credited to the renowned Italian astronomer and physicist, Galileo (1564-1642). Galileo’s instrument, built about 1592, used an inverted glass vessel in which changes of temperature caused the expansion and contraction of the air within it thus changing the level of the liquid in the partially filled vessel’s long, open-mouthed neck.
The German physicist, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1886-1736), developed accurate mercury thermometers which he calibrated to the standard scale that now bears his name. The first centigrade was developed in 1742 by a Swedish astronomer, Anders Celsius (1701-1744). It was known simply as the centigrade scale until in 1948 when the name was changed to honor Celsius.
Read Also:
- Thermometer, ear
A thermometer that registers body temperature via the ear canal. The ear thermometer was invented in 1964 by Dr. Theodor H. Benzinger. Dr. Benzinger worked from 1947 to 1970 at the Naval Medical Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland where he studied temperature regulation and helped create the field of biothermodynamics. He created the ear thermometer […]
- Thermophobia
An abnormal and persistent fear of heat, including hot weather and hot objects. Sufferers from thermophobia experience anxiety even though they realize their fear is irrational. To avoid heat, they may live in a cold climate, wear light clothing, stay indoors on warm days, and avoid hot water and hot foods. “Thermophobia” is derived from […]
- Thermostat
A device that monitors temperature and automatically maintains it at certain levels. In a human, a tiny part of the brain called the hypothalamus, located behind the eyes, serves as the thermostat. It can warm the body by causing it to shiver and cool the body by causing it to perspire. The hypothalamus also regulates […]
- THG
Tetrahydrogestrinone. A “designer steroid.” THG first surfaced in October 2003 with reports of its illicit use by athletes. A very potent androgenic steroid, with side effects such as hirsutism, acne and infertility. Considered a controlled substance in the United States. (CIII)
- Thiamine
Vitamin B1. Thiamine (vitamin B1) acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of the body. It is found in pork, organ meats, legumes, nuts, and whole grain or enriched breads and cereals. Deficiency of thiamine leads to beriberi, a syndrome characterized by inflammation of multiple nerves (polyneuritis), heart disease (cardiopathy), and edema (swelling).