2.1 Introduction

Basic meter movement in galvanometer used in DC measurements can be traced to Hans Oersted's discovery in 1820 of the relationship between current and magnetism. It was the first instruments used to detect and measure small amount of electric currents.

Jacques d' Arsonval patented the moving coil galvanometer (1881). The same basic construction developed by d' Arsonval is used in meter movement today. Permanent magnet moving coil instrument meter movement referred to as d' Arsonval meter movement.