goniometer etymology

Etymology:

  • From Greek gōnia "angle" + metron "measure".

Meaning:

A goniometer is an instrument used to measure angles, especially in crystallography, mineralogy, and optics.

Origin:

The term "goniometer" was first coined in the early 19th century by the German physicist and crystallographer Friedrich Mohs. Mohs developed a device that allowed him to measure the angles between crystal faces and determine the crystal's symmetry.

Before the invention of the goniometer, crystallographers had to rely on visual inspection to determine the angles between crystal faces. However, this method was often inaccurate and could lead to misinterpretations of the crystal's structure.

Mohs' goniometer was a significant breakthrough in crystallography, as it allowed crystallographers to measure angles with precision and accuracy. This made it possible to determine the crystal's symmetry and identify the different crystal forms.

The goniometer has since become an indispensable tool in crystallography, mineralogy, and optics. It is used to measure angles between crystal faces, planes, and other objects, and to determine the structural parameters of crystals.

goniometer relate terms

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