Evolution of medical thermometers: from antique prototypes to the modern devices

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Abstract

The article is devoted to the evolution of medical thermometers, from ancient methods of temperature measurement to modern devices. The article considers the history of the creation and development of thermometers, starting with the first methods based on subjective sensations and manual palpation, and moving on to thermoscopes of the 16th–17th centuries, as well as liquid thermometers. Improvements in the design of thermometers and the introduction of standard measurement scales, such as the Celsius and Kelvin scales, are discussed. Modern innovations in thermometry, including electronic and infrared devices, are described.

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About the authors

Irina N. Zakharova

Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education

Author for correspondence.
Email: zakharova-rmapo@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4200-4598

D. Sci. (Med.), Prof.

Russian Federation, Moscow

Irina V. Berezhnaya

Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education

Email: zakharova-rmapo@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2847-6268

Cand. Sci. (Med.)

Russian Federation, Moscow

Dmitriy S. Kolushkin

Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital

Email: zakharova-rmapo@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9056-7112

MD, Pediatrician

Russian Federation, Moscow

Ekaterina V. Kolushkina

Children's City Polyclinic No. 148, Moscow

Email: zakharova-rmapo@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-0012-8824

MD, Ped.

Russian Federation, Moscow

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Supplementary files

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2. Fig. 1. Galileo's thermoscope.

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3. Fig. 2. Tselioux’s thermoscope-cum-scale.

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4. Fig. 3. Sanctorius' thermoscope.

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5. Fig. 4. Torricelli's mulberry barometer.

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6. Fig. 5. Guericke’s thermoscope.

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7. Fig. 6. Comparison of Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin scales.

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