Leslie Cube

13 May 2025

Leslie's cube is a scientific instrument, developed by John Leslie, used to demonstrate and study the emission and absorption of thermal radiation from different surfaces. 

It typically features a metal cube with four sides having different surface finishes, such as black, white, shiny, and rough, allowing for comparison of their radiative properties. The unit pictured is recorded in the National Inventory of Historic Scientific Instruments by Charles Mollan, entry 1940 UCP 167. The device comprises a brass cube; shiny brass, dull brass, white painted, and black painted sides; bent brass wire handle on top. In the middle of the handle on top is a disc hole to add heated liquid, with a cork stopper; cube now on non-original iron tripod base and brass pillar stand.