Collections areas

Astronomy and timekeeping

The highlight of our astronomical collections is the world’s finest collections of astrolabes and sundials. We also have many important early telescopes, clocks and watches.

Mathematics

Our mathematics collections include instruments for applications of mathematics such as navigation and surveying in addition to mathematical instruments as we understand them today. They include octants, sextants and measuring wheels for measuring distances along a road.

Physics

Our most famous physics exhibit is the blackboard used by Albert Einstein, but our collections also contain many historic instruments used by scientists in seeking to understand and measure the natural world.

Chemistry

The building that now houses the History of Science Museum originally contained a chemical laboratory. Our chemistry displays include artefacts that chart the development of chemistry up to the twentieth century.

Microscopes

Our collection of historic microscopes is one of the most outstanding in the world, charting the development of this instrument from the seventeenth century to the Victorian era and beyond.

Medicine

Our medical collections chart the progress of medical science, from seventeenth-century anatomy lessons to the development of penicillin during the Second World War.

Telecommunications

Our unique Marconi collection tells the story of the invention and early days of wireless telegraphy and radio broadcasting.

Portraits

Our collections include many portraits of scientists, ranging from paintings of well-known figures to photographs and prints of scientists who are less frequently remembered today.