Documenting Your Collections
Info-Muse Network Documentation Guide

Les guides électroniques de la SMQ

Operating Principle (Physical Description)

Field used for science and technology collectionsSociété des musées québécois Info-Muse database field

Definition:

  • This field contains information on the principle governing the operation of the object.

Observations:

  1. The operating principle refers to the mechanisms, processes and physical or chemical principles that govern the operation of the object.
  2. N.B.: Do not confuse the Operating Principle field with the History of Use field. The Operating Principle field contains a brief description of the operating mechanisms of the object, whereas the History of Use field contains information on the different uses of the object.
    Example

    A Gregory telescope used for stargazing

      Object NameGregory telescope
     History of Usestargazing
    Operating Principle The image is reflected in the first mirror and then in the second, where the image is inverted, before being reflected into the dual eyepiece.

Entry rule:

  • The Operating Principle field is particularly useful when information is entered clearly, concisely and consistently.

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