Delisle Temperature Scale

The Delisle temperature scale, devised by French astronomer Joseph-Nicolas Delisle in the 18th century, offers a unique perspective on temperature measurement. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, which increase with rising temperatures, the Delisle scale progresses inversely, with 0° marking the freezing point of water.

A Glimpse into History

Introduced in 1732, the Delisle scale found some popularity in Russia during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was initially defined with the freezing point of water at 0° and the boiling point at 150°. However, its counterintuitive nature eventually led to its decline in favor of more widely used scales.

Understanding the Scale

The core principle of the Delisle scale lies in its inverse relationship with temperature. As the temperature decreases, the Delisle value increases. This unique characteristic sets it apart from other commonly used scales.

Conversion Formulas

• Delisle to Celsius: °C = 100 - (D / 1.5)
• Delisle to Fahrenheit: F = 212 - (°D * 2)

Applications and Legacy

While largely superseded today, the Delisle scale played a role in:

• Historical Research in Russia: It served as a significant tool for scientific and meteorological observations in Russia during its period of use.
• Astronomical Studies: Early astronomers utilized the Delisle scale in their temperature-related observations.
• Scientific Curiosity: The Delisle scale remains a fascinating subject for those interested in the history of temperature measurement and scientific exploration.

Delisle vs. Other Scales

The Delisle scale stands in stark contrast to Celsius and Fahrenheit. While the latter two exhibit a direct correlation between temperature and scale value, Delisle operates in reverse. This fundamental difference makes it less practical for everyday use.