The silver-plated mirrors of the Historical Collection of Physics Instruments of Palermo University

Abstract

In the paper we will describe three instruments of particular historical and didactic interest belonging to the Historical Collection of Physics Instruments of Palermo University: a convex mirror most likely dating back to the early nineteenth century and a pair of burning mirrors most likely dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. After an introduction on the historical development of mirrors and on their principle of operation, we will describe the characteristics of the instruments of the collection and the interventions carried out.