Spinthariscope

Spintharoscope (in cardboard cylinder with lid). Used to demonstrate an early method of studying radio-activity. Led Bragg to his experiments on alpha particles in Adelaide. (see label accompanying item). Number 982 is painted on it.

Maker: W. Crookes, London. Made in 1903.

This small historic instrument was brought to Adelaide by Frederick Soddy who had worked with Rutherford and stayed with the Braggs in 1904. Soddy either gave it to Bragg as a gift or sold it to him. It was used to make alpha particles visible for public demonstrations of radioactivity.