Experimenter Collection

Simpson researching anaesthetics, 1840s
Sir James Young Simpson (1811-1870), Scottish doctor. This historical artwork shows Simpsons butler walking in on Simpson, who is suffering from the effects of a recent experiment

The principle of the Morse telegraph, 1887
3480014 The principle of the Morse telegraph, 1887; (add.info.: The principle of the Morse telegraph, 1887. 'Thus let E be a fixed electromagnet; the insulated wires of which are attached to)

What is thought to be the first wireless set
3734037 What is thought to be the first wireless set.; (add.info.: Photograph of what is thought to be the first wireless set invented by David Edward Hughes)

Henry Cavendish, F. R. S. (1731-1810), 19th c. (pen, ink and wash)
XJF134150 Henry Cavendish, F.R.S. (1731-1810), 19th c. (pen, ink and wash) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: British natural philosopher, scientist)

Abbot Lazzaro Spallanzani (1729-99) investigating the physiology of digestion on birds
CHT253244 Abbot Lazzaro Spallanzani (1729-99) investigating the physiology of digestion on birds, illustration from La vie et les moeurs des animaux par Louis Figuier (1819-94) Paris

Maillots Kite
French experimenter Maillot demonstrates that a kite can be made which will lift a man off the ground. Date: 1886

Faradays safety glasses
Faradays glasses. A pair of safety spectacles owned by Michael Faraday (1791-1867), English natural scientist. Note the panels that fold out to give protection to the eyes from the sides

Jan Baptiste van Helmont, Belgian chemist
Jan Baptiste van Helmont (1579-1644), Belgian doctor and chemist. Van Helmonts work was part of the transition from alchemy to experimental chemistry. He invented the word gas (from Greek chaos)

Jan Baptiste van Helmont and an alchemist. Artwork showing the Belgian doctor and chemist Jan Baptiste van Helmont (1579-1644, right), being given a piece of the Philosphers Stone by an alchemist

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In the 1840s, a determined Edward Simpson, with quill in hand and mind ablaze with curiosity, delved into the world of anesthetics, joining the ranks of scientific pioneers like Henry Cavendish, F. R. S. (1731-1810), who explored the realms of chemistry with pen, ink, and wash. Simpson's investigations paralleled those of Abbot Lazzaro Spallanzani (1729-99), who unraveled the mysteries of avian digestion. The scientific community buzzed with excitement as Antoine Lavoisier's groundbreaking discoveries in chemistry were brought to life in caricature C015 / 6698. Meanwhile, innovations in safety, such as Faraday's glasses, protected experimenters like Jan Baptiste van Helmont, the Belgian chemist, and his alchemist counterparts from harm's way. Even the skies held wonder, with Maillot's kite offering new perspectives on the natural world.