Definition: In the Bible, the term "alcovinometer" refers to a special instrument used for measuring temperatures. This device was originally invented by Greek astronomer Eudoxus around 300 BCE and became popular in medieval Europe, especially in Italy and Greece. The alcovinometer is considered one of the oldest instruments known because it dates back to ancient times. It was first described and refined by Aristarchus of Samos (公元前 47 BC) in the early 3rd century BCE. Here are some key features of an alcovinometer: 1.

Scale

: The scale of an alcovinometer consists of two parts, a lower part known as the "scale" that measures volume and temperature and a higher part known as the "tip" (also known as the "gazebo") which records the actual temperature. 2.

Temperature Scale

: The alcovinometer's scale is calibrated to measure temperatures between -10°C (-4°F) and 185°C (+69°F), with an accuracy of ±0.3°C. 3.

Gazebo

: The "gazebo" on the lower part records the actual temperature, while the tip (which is in fact the scale) reads the measured temperature. 4.

Reading Time

: A reading on the gazebo indicates the time at which it was read. It's important to note that a thermometer with a more precise scale and much shorter reading time would be used for measuring high temperatures or near extremes of temperatures, like those found in the alcovinometer. 5.

Accuracy

: The accuracy of the alcovinometer is considered very good for its era (around 300 BCE). However, it's important to note that this was before modern digital temperature measurement and some of the precision might have been lost due to the age or other factors. In summary, an alcovinometer is a simple yet ancient device used in measuring temperature. The accuracy is limited by the scale (which ranges from -10°C to 185°C) and the time taken to read the temperature on the gazebo.

alcovinometer