Saccharimeters

Saccharimeters and Saccharometers are instruments used for determining the amount of sugar present in any solutions such as beer, wort, etc. They may be of two forms. One measures the density of the solution, and to this the second name is usually applied; while the other measures the rotatory effect produced by the sugar upon polarized light. This is often known as a polarimeter. The simplest form of saccharometer consists of a hydrometer (q.v.) with a graduated stem projecting above the liquid. The mark which stands at the level of the liquid is read off, and the corresponding amount of sugar present is found by referring to the table devised for the apparatus. This can only be used when no other substances affecting the density are present.