A scientific instrument is a device or tool used for scientific purposes, including the study of both natural phenomena and theoretical research.
Instruments are increasingly based upon integration with digital world i.e. Computers/Phones to improve, enhance and extend the instrumental functions.
Below is the list of famous scientific instruments:
| S.No. | Instrument | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Altimeter | A special type of aneroid barometer, used in measuring altitudes. |
| 2 | Ammeter | An instrument to measure the strength of an electric current. |
| 3 | Anemometer | An instrument to measure the velocity and direction of the wind. |
| 4 | Audiometer | An instrument to measure difference in hearing. |
| 5 | Barometer | An instrument used for measuring atmospheric pressure. |
| 6 | Binoculars | An optical instrument designed for magnified view of distant objects by both eyes simultaneously. |
| 7 | Calorimeter | An instrument for measuring quantities of heat. |
| 8 | Cat Scanner | A machine for photographing a selected plane of human body using X-rays. The computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scanner is a ring shaped X-ray machine that rotates through 180 degree around the patient, who lies on a horizontal plane, making numerous X-ray measurements every few degrees. The information is processed by a computer to produce the final image. |
| 9 | Chronometer | A clock that keeps very accurate time. |
| 10 | Clinical Thermometer | A thermometer for measuring the temperature of human body. |
| 11 | Colorimeter | An instrument for comparing intensities of colour. |
| 12 | Computer | A technical device designed to find instantaneous solutions of huge and complex calculations based on the information already fed. |
| 13 | Cryometer | A thermometer used for measuring very low temperatures close to 0 degree k. |
| 14 | Dynamometer | An electrical instrument used for measuring very small potential difference and electric currents without appreciably changing current in circuits. |
| 15 | Electroscope | An instrument for detecting the presence of electric charge. |
| 16 | Endoscope | An optical instrument for internal examination by direct vision through a lighted tube fitted with a system of lenses. |
| 17 | Galvanometer | An instrument for measuring electric current. |
| 18 | Hydrometer | An instrument for measuring the relative density of liquids. |
| 19 | Hydrophone | An instrument for measuring sound under water. |
| 20 | Hygrometer | An instrument for measuring the relative humidity of the atmosphere. |
| 21 | Hygroscope | An instrument to show the changes in atmospheric humidity. |
| 22 | Lactometer | An instrument for measuring the relative density of milk. |
| 23 | Magnetometer | An instrument used to compare the magnetic moments and fields. |
| 24 | Manometer | An instrument to measure the pressure of gases. |
| 25 | Mariner’s Compass | An apparatus for determining direction, graduated to indicate 32 directions. The “N” point on the dial indicates north pole and the “S” point, south pole. |
| 26 | Micrometer | An instrument for magnified view of very small objects. |
| 27 | Olfactometer | An instrument for testing the sense of smell. |
| 28 | Ophthalmoscope | An instrument for inspecting the inside of the eye, especially for the diagnosis of eye diseases. |
| 29 | Oxygenator | An apparatus by which oxygen is introduced into blood during circulation outside the body, as during open heart surgery. |
| 30 | Periscope | An apparatus for viewing objects lying above the eye level of the observer and whose direct vision is obstructed. |
| 31 | Photometer | An instrument for comparing the luminous intensity of the sources of light. |
| 32 | Plantimeter | A mechanical integrating instrument to measure area of plane surface. |
| 33 | Pyrometers | Thermometers to measure high temperatures. |
| 34 | Quadrant | An instrument for measuring altitudes and angles in navigation and astronomy. |
| 35 | Quartz Clock | A highly accurate clock used in astronomical observations and other precision work. |
| 36 | Radio Micrometer | An instrument for measuring heat radiations. |
| 37 | Rain Gauge | An instrument for measuring rainfall. |
| 38 | Refractometer | An instrument used to measure the refractive index of a substance. |
| 39 | Resistance Thermometer | A thermometer for measuring high temperatures. |
| 40 | Seismograph | An instrument used for recording the intensity and origin of earthquake shocks. |
| 41 | Sextant | An instrument used for measurement of angular distances between two objects. |
| 42 | Spectroscope | An instrument used for spectrum analysis. |
| 43 | Spherometer | An instrument used for accurately measuring the curvature of spherical objects. |
| 44 | Sphygmomanometer | An apparatus for measuring blood pressure. |
| 45 | Stereoscope | An optical device to view specially taken two dimensional pictures as having depth and solidity. |
| 46 | Stroboscope | An instrument used for viewing the objects moving rapidly with a periodic motion and to see them as they were at rest. |
| 47 | Tangent Galvanometer | An instrument for measuring the strength of direct current. |
| 48 | Telemeter | An apparatus for recording physical even happening at a distance. |
| 49 | Teleprinter | A communication medium for automatic sending, receiving and printing of telegraphic messages from distance places. |
| 50 | Telescope | An instrument for viewing distance objects as Magnified. |
| 51 | Television | An instrument used for viewing distant objects by means of wireless waves. |
| 52 | Thermometer | An instrument to measure the temperature. |
| 53 | Thermostat | An automatic device for maintaining constant temperatures. |
| 54 | Transistor | A small device which may be used to amplify currents and perform other functions once performed by thermionic valve. |
| 55 | Vernier | An adjustable scale for measuring distances upto the smallest sub-division of the scale. |
| 56 | Voltmeter | An instrument to measure potential difference between two points. |
