Hermetically sealed

The term hermetically sealed is used to describe something that has an airtight seal. The term is often used to describe electronic parts that are designed and intended to be secure against the entry of microorganisms and to maintain the safety and quality of their contents. Applications include thermostats, optical devices, switches, and other devices. The food, chemical, and medical industries all have applications for the use of such "airtight" packaging, as well. High-end coffins, too, are often made to be "hermetically sealed," and must be of metal, or of other material with metal lining, and constructed so that when closed and fastened the coffin is completely airtight.

Related Topics:
Microorganisms - Thermostat - Optical device - Switch

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The expression "hermetically sealed" finds its roots in Hermes Trismegistus, a syncretism of Greek Hermes and the Egyptian god of wisdom, Thoth. Its origin can be traced back to about 300 AD. Hermes Trismegistus purportedly authored several books containing secrets of alchemy and mystic philosophy, the Hermetica. In the 17th century, English writers began using the adjective hermetic to refer to things that were sealed or secret. An early "hermetically sealed" container featured in the dramatic demonstration of the force of air pressure in creating a hermetic seal in 1663, when for the enlightenment and entertainment of the court of Friedrich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg. Otto von Guericke joined two copper hemispheres (Magdeburg hemispheres) and pumped the air out of the enclosure. Then he harnessed a team of eight horses to each hemisphere and showed that they were not able to separate them.

Related Topics:
Hermes Trismegistus - Syncretism - Hermes - Thoth - 300 - Hermetica - Air pressure - 1663 - Friedrich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg - Otto von Guericke - Copper - Magdeburg hemispheres

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