Re: vibrating bar supported by light string to reduce damping

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>]

> Frohne, Vickie wrote:

> >These properties of thread are probably precisely why Cavendish
> > resorted to a difficult-to-make quartz fiber for his balance.


 Cavendish notes that the first series of  these experiments used a
silver coated copper wire. The period of 15 seconds was long, and led
to excess sensitivity in the wire braced horizontal wood beam, which
allowed the weights to hit the case. A stiffer suspension was then fitted.

Phil Trans., Roy. Soc V17 (1798) pp469

Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!