On arrival
Historical directions describe inspecting the thermometer for visible damage and consulting separation instructions if mercury became separated in transit.
Technical resources
Care for the instrument.
Historical handling information for receiving a thermometer, checking its reading, and handling the tube and scale.
Historical reference — not current safety documentation. These legacy instructions are provided only to describe earlier handling information. Do not use them as procedures for mercury separation, repair, tube or scale replacement, disposal, or operation. Before handling any instrument, obtain current manufacturer guidance and follow applicable safety requirements. Contact Philadelphia Instruments if current guidance is needed.
Check accuracy
Historical directions describe a boiling-water check: with about four inches of water in a pot, the thermometer was expected to read 212° F at sea level. Use the elevation chart for other altitudes.
Replacement
Historical directions describe tube and scale replacement with the instrument cool and protective equipment in use, followed by proper disposal of the old tube and scale.
Helpful hints
The historical reference advises not placing a hot thermometer into cool water, allowing it to return to room temperature before cleaning, and rechecking it from time to time.
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