From the stifling heat of summer to the freezing cold of winter, the temperature shapes our world and our daily life. But how did we learn to measure this invisible and so crucial element? Today, we dive into the fascinating history of thermometers.
Galilée and the first theroscope
Galileo invented what is considered to be the first instrument capable of measuring temperature variations, the thermoscope. This device is made up of a glass tube which joins an air ball and the other at one end and the other a hermetically closed vase containing water or alcohol.
Although the Galileo theroscope did not make it possible to measure the temperature with precision, it offered a visual representation of temperature fluctuations.
Santorio Santorio and the evolution of the theroscope
In 1612, a giant step was crossed by Santorio Santorio, friend of Galileo and eminent professor of medicine at the University of Padua in Italy. Inspired by the Galileo theroscope, Santorio sees its revolutionary potential in the medical field, considering a device capable of measuring the temperature of patients. It is made up of a small glass ball, imprisoning an amount of constant air, which surmounts an open, long and narrow tube, which is plunged into a vase full of water.
Santorio therefore adds a graduation to its device, using two fixed landmarks: the temperature of the snow and that of the flame of a candle. This innovative scale makes it possible to quantify the temperature variations in a more systematic way, marking a turning point in the use of the theroscope.
Although this system was still imperfect because the system is open unlike the Galileo theroscope and therefore sensitive to atmospheric pressure variations, the Santorio apparatus proved to be revolutionary. He demonstrated that the human body maintains a constant temperature, deconstructing the myth that we cool during the night. Santorio thus became the pioneer in the extent of fever and monitoring his evolution during diseases.
Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin: modern temperature scales
Progress continues in 1714 with Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who revolutionized the temperature measurement by inventing the mercury thermometer. This progress offered an unequaled precision. With this invention, Fahrenheit also introduces its own temperature scale, thus anchoring its name in history.
In 1742, the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius proposed a revolutionary method based on the points of solidification and boiling of water. Its scale is quickly adopted worldwide, becoming the norm in science and in many countries for the daily temperature measurement.
In 1848 Lord Kelvin introduced an absolute temperature scale, which began at absolute zero, the point where all molecular movement ceases. Essential in scientific and technical fields, the Kelvin scale offers a standardized temperature measurement for physical research.
For those curious to learn more about these measurement scales, we have already released a video on the subject so do not hesitate to go see it.
The evolution of thermometers in the 20th century
The 20th century was characterized by a radical transformation period in temperature measurement technology. The introduction of electronic and infrared thermometers marks a revolution, making the measures more precise, fast, and accessible.
From the 1960s, electronic thermometers appeared. Using electronic sensors to detect temperature changes, these devices offer direct digital reading, reducing measuring uncertainties and improving safety and robustness by avoiding the use of glass thermometer.
Infrared thermometers, use the radiation emitted by all objects to measure their temperature remotely. This technology allows direct contactless measures, it is ideal in environments where sterility is essential, such as hospitals, or for industrial applications, where measuring the temperature directly is not possible.
The impact of these innovations goes far beyond the simple temperature measurement. In the kitchen, they guarantee food security by checking cooking. In the medical field, they allow rapid and hygienic measures of the temperature of patients. In industry, they play a crucial role in controlling manufacturing processes, preventive maintenance, and security. And in scientific research, they open the way to new discoveries by offering extremely precise and localized temperature measures.
Thermometers in the digital age
At the dawn of the 21st century, the digital era radically transformed our interaction with temperature measurement. Thermometers are no longer simple measurement instruments; They become smart devices, capable of communicating, registering, and analyzing data.
Thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, modern thermometers can now transmit their readings to smartphones, tablets, and real-time computers, allowing continuous and remote monitoring. This connectivity opens up new possibilities for management of the domestic environment, control of industrial processes, and the monitoring of the cold chain in the food and pharmaceutical sector.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in thermometers and temperature management systems represents a major advance. AI not only allows you to monitor but also to predict temperature variations, automatically optimizing the conditions according to specific needs, whether in agricultural greenhouses, warehouses, or even for domestic comfort.
Conclusion
From the rudimentary invention of Galileo to today's connected thermometers, the quest to measure the temperature has crossed the eras, reflecting our incessant desire to understand and interact with our environment. These instruments, so simple in their essence, have revolutionized medicine, industry, and our daily lives.
I hope you liked this article and allowed you to learn more about the fascinating history of thermometers. Do not hesitate to share and comment!
