Tuning forks and stands for showing Lissajous’ figures, wood and brass, London, 1870.
Set of tuning forks, made by London-based instrument maker William Ladd. Tuning forks emit a pure musical tone when struck. The tone a fork produces depends on the length and mass of the prongs, which are inversely related to their frequency. These tuning forks were created to show Lissajous figures, curved patterns that vary according to the frequency at which the fork vibrates. As part of the standardisation of acoustic science, tuning forks, particularly Lissajous’ tuning forks, were used for to visualise and analyse sound vibration. Lissajous’ figures established a visual representation of known acoustic frequencies, allowing them to be compared with unknown patterns.
Mahogany case for tuning forks used for showing Lissajou's figures, made in London by William Ladd, 1870.
Mahogany tripod stand for tuning forks used for showing Lissajou's figures.
Stand for tuning forks used for showing Lissajou's figures.
Two mahogany and one boxwood component, from tuning fork stand
Tuning fork marked Do1, for showing Lissajou's figures, made in London by William Ladd, 1870.
Tuning fork marked Fa1 Sol1, for showing Lissajou's figures, made in London by William Ladd, 1870.
Tuning fork marked Do2, for showing Lissajou's figures, made in London by William Ladd, 1870.
Tuning fork marked Do1 Re1, for showing Lissajou's figures, made in London by William Ladd, 1870.
