Biquartz
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The biquartz is a component of certain instruments, such as saccharimeters, consisting of two quartz plates cemented together, one rotating the plane of polarization to the right and the other to the left. When placed between two parallel Nicols, both plates appear in the so-called sensitive color, and when a medium that rotates the plane of polarization is introduced, the color of both plates changes distinctly.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BIQUARTZ, a component of certain instruments, for example, saccharimeters. Consists of two quartz plates cemented together, one of which rotates the plane of polarization to the right, while the other rotates it to the left. With plate thickness equal to 3.75 mm, both are colored in the so-called sensitive color if placed between two parallel Nicols (see). If a medium possessing the ability to rotate the plane of polarization (for example, a solution containing sugar) is placed in the path of the light ray, then the color of both biquartz plates changes sharply: one becomes redder, while the other becomes bluer. The device described was invented by Soleil.
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“Biquartz.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/biquartz/