Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

Universal_compass_sundial_in_Putnam_Gallery,_2009-11-24

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

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

Exhibitions and Programs[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.