Description
A hydrometer is used to measure the specific gravity (or relative density) of liquids. It is usually made of glass and consists of a cylindrical stem and a bulb weighted with lead shot. Hydrometers may be calibrated for different uses, such as a lactometer for measuring the creaminess of milk, a saccharometer for measuring the concentration of sugar in a liquid, or an alcoholometer for measuring higher levels of alcohol in spirits. The accuracy, uniformity, and dependability of each hydrometer is assured due to individual testing procedures and is usually backed by a calibration certificate.