Calibration and field use of Hg-in-glass thermometers for precise temperature measurements near 0 ̊C

Abstract

Experience with the calibration and field use of Hg-in-glass calorimeter thermometers provides an indication of the accuracy attainable and the necessary corrections to obtain that accuracy. Secular changes as large as 57 m°C have been observed during the first 3 years of thermometer use. Light physical tapping is found to reduce the thermometer readings by 3-6 m°C. Corrections for variations in the external and internal bulb pressure and care to avoid parallax are necessary to obtain the best accuracy in field measurements. The estimated accuracy of these thermometers for temperature measurements near 0°C is approximately ±4 m°C for laboratory measurements and, at best ±5 m°C for field measurements.