A. Plat’inum; in consequence of which, the graduated arcs of delicate instruments for observation are made of plat’inum instead of any other metal.
Q. Why is plat’inum used for the graduated arcs of delicate mathematical instruments, instead of any other metal?
A. Because it will never oxidize; but retain its bright surface in all weathers free from both rust and tarnish.
Q. Before plat’inum was discovered, which of the metals was employed for the same purpose?
A. Gold.
Platinum, (a white metal), so called from “plata,” the Spanish word for silver. It was first introduced into England by Mr. Wood, (A. D. 1749) from South America.
Q. For what other scientific purposes is plat’inum now used?
A. For crucibles in which acids are employed, and for galvanic batteries.
Q. Why are crucibles (in which acids are employed) made of plat’inum?
A. Because the acid would act upon other metals, or upon glass, and prevent the experimenter’s success.