Scientific Instrument Collection

PSCI2A-00073
Greek astronomer Hipparchus mapping the stars over Alexandria, ancient Egypt. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Thomas Nortons laboratory, c1477 (1652). Engraving after a manuscript in the British Museum, London, which is probably the earliest illustration of a balance in a glass case

Guillaume Amontons demonstration of his aerial telegraph (engraving)
5616547 Guillaume Amontons demonstration of his aerial telegraph (engraving); (add.info.: Illustration depicting Guillaume Amontons demonstration of his aerial telegraph in the Jardin du Luxembourg)

Tycho Brahe's equatorial rings, from " Astronomiae Implatiae Mechanica."
NWI4947704 Tycho Brahe's equatorial rings, from " Astronomiae Implatiae Mechanica."; (add.info.: Tycho Brahe's equatorial rings)

A barometer, 20th century (engraving)
5312074 A barometer, 20th century (engraving); (add.info.: Engraving depicting a barometer, a scientific instrument used in meteorology to measure atmospheric pressure)

Woodcut depicting FERDINAND I; Holy Roman Emperor 1558-64, king of Bohemia and Hungary 1526
5311572 Woodcut depicting FERDINAND I; Holy Roman Emperor 1558-64, king of Bohemia and Hungary 1526. From the title page of the De Sphaericus of Theodosius of Tripoli (2nd century AD)

Mrs Bryan and Children Stipple by Samuel Shelley
865215 Mrs Bryan and Children Stipple by Samuel Shelley; (add.info.: Mrs Bryan and Children Stipple engraving after the painting by Samuel Shelley)

Cadbury's Cocoa, 1890. Creator: Unknown
Cadbury's Cocoa, 1890. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 42. July to December, 1890

The moment of measuring the water level at the Inorogda hydrometric station, 1909. Creator: Vladimir Ivanovich Fedorov
The moment of measuring the water level at the Inorogda hydrometric station, 1909. Amur Oblast Museum of Regional History and Folklife

Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743-1794) and His Wife... 1788. Creator: Jacques-Louis David
Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743-1794) and His Wife (Marie Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758-1836), 1788

Microscope made by C Reichert, Vienna, 1895. Artist: C Reichert
Microscope made by C Reichert, Vienna, 1895. The microscope featured objectives of different powers which could be turned into viewing position as required

Equilibrium and movement of the air, c1851. The effects of pneumatics and barometric pressure underwater and in the air, showing ballooning, a diving bell, divers in diving suits, an air gun

The Astrolabe of Sir Francis Drake, in Greenwich Hospital, 1856. Creator: Unknown
The Astrolabe of Sir Francis Drake, in Greenwich Hospital, 1856....instrument for taking the altitude of the sun or stars, once belonging to the famous Drake...This instrument

Instruments used by Mr. Glaisher during his balloon ascent, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Instruments used by Mr. Glaisher during his balloon ascent, 1862. 1. Barometer; 2; Wet and Dry Bulb Hygrometer; 3. Daniell's Hygrometer; 4. Chronometer; 5. Bucket of Water to keep Bulb wet; A. B

Portrait of William Herschel, The Astronomical Observatory "Giuseppe Piazzi", the Pisana Tower
3900266 Portrait of William Herschel, The Astronomical Observatory " Giuseppe Piazzi", the Pisana Tower by Unknown artist, (18th-19th century); Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo, Sicily

Portrait of Jesse Ramsden, The Astronomical Observatory "Giuseppe Piazzi", the Pisana Tower
3900265 Portrait of Jesse Ramsden, The Astronomical Observatory " Giuseppe Piazzi", the Pisana Tower by Unknown artist, (18th-19th century); Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo, Sicily

Astrolabe, Qajar dynasty (1796-1925), 18th century; with later additions

Barometer, England, c. 1790. Creator: Vulliamy family
Barometer, England, c. 1790

Mercury Barometer, c. 1940. Creator: Ray Price
Mercury Barometer, c. 1940

Our Captain, Our Guide over Pathless Waters, 1890. Creator: BW Kilburn
Our Captain, Our Guide over Pathless Waters, 1890. Albumen silver print, stereocard

A Fine Kaleidoscope (mahogany, brass and ivory)
CH348497 A Fine Kaleidoscope (mahogany, brass and ivory) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Leigh, a clockmaker from Lancashire)

Two types of adjustable-opening compass, fol. 108v from Paris Manuscript H
XJF308765 Two types of adjustable-opening compass, fol. 108v from Paris Manuscript H, 1493-4 (pen & ink on paper) by Vinci, Leonardo da (1452-1519); Bibliotheque de l Institut de France, Paris

Compass, end nineteenth century (wood & metal)
CHT239213 Compass, end nineteenth century (wood & metal) by French School, (19th century); CNAM, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers

Pocket folding telescope in original case (see 205944)
PFR205943 Pocket folding telescope in original case (see 205944) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; ePaul Freeman; English, out of copyright

Microscope, signed by Francois Villette optician to the Prince of Liege
CHT236769 Microscope, signed by Francois Villette optician to the Prince of Liege, 1765 (wood & bronze) by French School, (18th century); Musee des Hospices Civils, Lyon

The Large Astronomical Telescope of Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) illustration from
XIR209261 The Large Astronomical Telescope of Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) illustration from Machina Coelestis by Hevelius, Gdansk, published 1670 (engraving) (later colouration) by Polish School

Astrolabe of Regiomontanus (engraving)
3647385 Astrolabe of Regiomontanus (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Astrolabe of Regiomontanus)

A Fine Kaleidoscope (mahogany, brass and ivory)
CH348496 A Fine Kaleidoscope (mahogany, brass and ivory) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Leigh, a clockmaker from Lancashire)

Detail from the north rose window depicting Astronomy from the Liberal Arts
PC345127 Detail from the north rose window depicting Astronomy from the Liberal Arts (stained glass) by French School, (13th century); Laon Cathedral, Laon, France; French, out of copyright

Portrait of a Gentleman, c. 1800 (oil on canvas)
MFR313901 Portrait of a Gentleman, c.1800 (oil on canvas) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Large Astronomical Telescope of Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) illustration from
XIR213010 The Large Astronomical Telescope of Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) illustration from Machina Coelestis by Hevelius, Gdansk, published 1670 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Polish School

An Allegory of the Liberal Arts
RAF81434 An Allegory of the Liberal Arts by Francken, Frans III (1607-67); 75.5x115.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Venus and Cupid seated in an art gallery; ); Photo eRafael Valls Gallery

Telescope belonging to Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) 1671
BAL2365 Telescope belonging to Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) 1671 by English School; Royal Society, London, UK; English, out of copyright

The Transit of Venus, The Model Used for Practice at Greenwich Observatory (engraving
XJF133396 The Transit of Venus, The Model Used for Practice at Greenwich Observatory (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School

Instruments d optique by Dom Noel, the first in a series of 21 plates
XIR161390 Instruments d optique by Dom Noel, the first in a series of 21 plates illustrating elevations and cross-sections of telescopes and microscopes (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School

Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo)
5055721 Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

William Herschels 40-foot reflecting telescope, Slough, Berkshire, 1819 (engraving)
6031987 William Herschels 40-foot reflecting telescope, Slough, Berkshire, 1819 (engraving) by Pass, J. (fl.1826); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Herschels 40-foot reflecting telescope)

Eight Bells, 1886 (oil on canvas)
3949589 Eight Bells, 1886 (oil on canvas) by Homer, Winslow (1836-1910); 64x76.7 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Celestial sphere, c. 1580 (gilded bronze)
XIR212806 Celestial sphere, c.1580 (gilded bronze) by Burgi, Jost (1552-1632); CNAM, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers, Paris; Swiss, out of copyright

Copy of a thermoscope invented by Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) (photo)
XIR160127 Copy of a thermoscope invented by Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) (photo) by Italian School; CNAM, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers

Solar Microscope, from Les Grandes Inventions Anciennes et Modernes
CHT200414 Solar Microscope, from Les Grandes Inventions Anciennes et Modernes by Louis Figuier (1819-94), Paris, 1861 (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School, (19th century); CNAM

Armillary sphere (gilded wood)
XIR188725 Armillary sphere (gilded wood) by French School, (18th century); ChAteau de Versailles, France; French, out of copyright

Heraclitus, the Weeping Philosopher, c. 1630 (oil on canvas)
5858814 Heraclitus, the Weeping Philosopher, c.1630 (oil on canvas) by Spanish School, (17th century); 87.6x74.9 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL

Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo)
5055720 Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

Professor Henry A. Rowland, 1897 (oil on canvas)
3949594 Professor Henry A. Rowland, 1897 (oil on canvas) by Eakins, Thomas Cowperthwait (1844-1916); 203.8x137.2 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Page of Advertisements (engraving)
1046511 Page of Advertisements (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Page of Advertisements)

An Allegory of Misrule, 1720-61. Creator: Johann Georg Platzer
An Allegory of Misrule, 1720-61

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"Exploring the Depths of Science: A Journey through Scientific Instruments" Step into the world of scientific discovery with a captivating array of instruments that have shaped our understanding of the natural world. From Antoine Laurent Lavoisier's groundbreaking experiments to William Herschel's astronomical observations, these instruments have played a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of our universe. In Jacques-Louis David's masterpiece, "Antoine Laurent Lavoisier and His Wife. . 1788, " we catch a glimpse of Lavoisier, known as the father of modern chemistry, surrounded by his scientific apparatus. The PSCI2A-00073 instrument featured here represents his relentless pursuit for knowledge and precision. Moving on to c1851, we encounter an intriguing depiction titled "Equilibrium and movement of the air. " This artwork showcases an instrument designed to measure atmospheric pressure and study air movements—an essential tool in meteorology and climatology. The Astronomical Observatory "Giuseppe Piazzi" takes center stage next with portraits honoring two influential figures: William Herschel and Jesse Ramsden. Herschel's portrait pays homage to his pioneering work in astronomy using telescopes like "Herschels Grand Telescope. " Meanwhile, Ramsden is celebrated for his contributions to precision engineering with adjustable-opening compasses—crucial tools for cartography and navigation. Delving deeper into history, we discover an exquisite astrolabe from the Qajar dynasty (1796-1925). This intricate device allowed astronomers to determine celestial positions accurately—a testament to their advanced knowledge even centuries ago. As we journey further back in time, we stumble upon a remarkable barometer crafted by England's Vulliamy family around 1790. Its design reflects both elegance and functionality while aiding scientists in measuring atmospheric pressure—an indispensable tool for weather forecasting. Fast forward several decades later, we encounter Ray Price's Mercury Barometer from circa 1940.