A

David

Darling

calibration

Calibration is an important step in preparing a scientific instrument or experimental apparatus for use, in which it is provided with a numerical scale in accordance with an internationally agreed procedure or by comparison with a standard instrument or measure. For example, an ordinary thermometer may be calibrated by noting its reading first in freezing and then in boiling water (other conditions being specified), but for greater accuracy, complex calibration procedures must be used to within carefully-controlled tolerances.