Spinthariscope

Invention

William Crookes invented the spinthariscope in 1903. By observing the apparently uniform fluorescence of a zinc sulfide screen created by the radioactive emissions (alpha radiation) of a sample of Radium, it reversed part of the sample. Because of the scarcity and high price of radium, it tried to recover it. By inspecting the screen under the microscope, he noticed flashes created by the collisions of the particles alpha with the screen. Crookes exploited this discovery to invent an apparatus designed specifically to observe these scintillations. It is composed of a coated small screen of zinc sulfide affixed at the end of a tube. A tiny quantity of salt of Radium is suspended near the screen, an objective laid down at the other end of the tube makes it possible to observe the screen. Crookes baptized its apparatus according to the Greek word “spintharis” meaning “spark”.

Use

It is known as that the spinthariscope quickly became a very popular gift among the aristocrats and people of the high society who used it during fashionable demonstrations to appear with the current of the last scientific projections. The spinthariscope was quickly replaced by the scientist by more precise and more quantitative devices making it possible to measure the radiation produced during their scientists. He knew an renewed interest in the middle of 20th century like educational toy for children.

The spinthariscopes are sold still nowadays as an economic teaching equipment; They contain however maintaining Américium.

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