Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

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The Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments is a renowned collection housed at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The collection is part of the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture and serves as a significant resource for the study of the history of science and technology.

History

The collection was established in 1948 by the Harvard Department of the History of Science to preserve and display scientific instruments used in teaching and research at Harvard. Over the years, it has grown to include over 20,000 objects, ranging from the 17th century to the present day.

Collection

The Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments includes a wide variety of scientific apparatus, such as:

• Astronomical instruments
• Microscopes
• Telescopes
• Medical instruments
• Electrical instruments
• Chemical apparatus

The collection also features instruments used by notable scientists, including Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Priestley, and Edward Pickering.

Exhibitions and Programs

The collection is displayed in several permanent and temporary exhibitions. Notable exhibitions include:

• Time, Life, & Matter: Science in Cambridge
• Body of Knowledge: A History of Anatomy

The collection also supports educational programs and research initiatives, providing valuable resources for students, scholars, and the general public.

Significance

The Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments is significant for its comprehensive representation of the development of scientific instruments and its role in the history of science education. It offers insights into the evolution of scientific practices and the technological advancements that have shaped modern science.

Related Pages

• Harvard University
• Harvard Museums of Science and Culture
• History of science
• Scientific instrument