Voltmeter

The voltmeter is one of the most common measuring devices in electrical engineering. The one shown here is used to measure low voltages accurately, up to 10 volts. Manufactured around 1910 by the Dr. Th. Horn factory in Leipzig. It was handed over to KIT Archives by the Institute of Regulation and Control Systems. Its analog display mechanism and heavy brass housing indicate the early expansionary phase of electrical engineering at Karlsruhe Polytechnic. Electrical engineering had been represented at Karlsruhe since 1885, initially by private lecturer August Schleiermacher (1857–1953). He provided lectures for students of various disciplines, primarily mechanical engineering. His own subject saw significant growth following Engelbert Arnold’s (1858–1911) appointment as full professor in 1894 — Schleiermacher’s promotion to this rank was in 1896. In 1895, the Department of Electrical Engineering was established, which later evolved into KIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Electrical engineering thus advanced from a supporting role to a position on a par with architecture, civil engineering, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. This growth was met by the construction of the prestigious Electrotechnical Institute, completed in 1899. The establishment of the Light Technology Institute in 1922 demonstrated the role of electrical engineering as a driving force in the institutional development of Karlsruhe Polytechnic during a challenging period. This expansion was significantly supported by strong ties with industry, which funded specific research activities. kn