even if it is just phonograph needles. These were manufactured at some point before 1954 when Pfanstiehl Chemical Corporation changed their name to Pfansteihl Laboratories. Why do I look these things up? Apparently I don't have enough to do. I'm looking for a volunteer to count them all and see how many needles have been used in the past 56 years. I'm guessing about 30.
[Edited to answer a very good question, this was supposed to be part of the original post]
Q:Were these used as blanks to make needle styli for mechanical prep?
A:Yes, in fact, in the old days before drill bits or carbide were cheap enough or readily accessible enough, phonograph needles were used as a stylus to pick grains of rock from specimens. In lieu of the handy pin vises we use today, these styli would be pounded into a dowel rod, much like many inexpensive dissecting probes are constructed today.
Thanks to Dr. Wann Langston Jr. for comments on the historical background.
This Saturday is Aquilops Day!
22 hours ago
2 comments:
I'll send one of my volunteers right over....
Were these used as blanks to make needle styli for mechanical prep?
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