Spectra Lovibond Tintometer, late 19th century

Spectra Lovibond Tintometer, late 19th century. Diagram of a Lovibond Tintometer, British Drug Houses pattern, patent number 299194, reg number 797135, fitted with artificial light attachment. This is a colorimeter, used for measuring colour, made by the Tintometer Limited. The company was founded in 1885 by brewer Joseph Williams Lovibond (1833-1918). Lovibond developed the colorimeter as a means of monitoring the quality of his beer. He found that colorimeters could be used for analysis in industries ranging from chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and medical, to food and drink manufacture. They continue to be used into the 21st century. ©SSPL/Science Museum