A composition of matter suitable for use in a reversible thermometer is
disclosed which comprises a thermally responsive material capable of being
supercooled at least for several minutes, and subject to a change in state
from a solid to a liquid substantially at a predetermined temperature;
means for visually observing the change in state; and a matrix forming
material comprising an amorphous organic compound, the matrix forming
material being insoluble in the thermally responsive material; whereby the
thermally responsive material is dispersed within the matrix forcing
material, the composition of matter being reversibly responsive to changes
in temperature, and remaining in the liquid state for a time sufficient to
permit a user of the composition to observe the change in state. The
preferred matrix forming material is polyisobutylene, and the preferred
thermally responsive material is a solid solution of
ortho-chloronitrobenzene and ortho-bromonitrobenzene. A process is
disclosed for preparing the composition of matter.