History of Science Museum — Attraction in Oxford

The collection and the building itself now occupies a special position in the study of the history of science and in the development of western culture and collecting. One of the most iconic objects in the collection is Einstein's Blackboard that Albert Einstein used on 16 May 1931 in his lectures while visiting the University of Oxford.

The current collection contains around 18,000 objects from antiquity to the early 20th century, representing almost all aspects of the history of science and is used for both academic study and enjoyment by the visiting public. The museum contains a wide range of scientific instruments, such as quadrants, astrolabes, sundials, early mathematical instruments, optical instruments, equipment associated with chemistry, natural philosophy and medicine, and a reference library regarding the history of scientific instruments that includes manuscripts, incunabula, prints and printed ephemera, and early photographic items.

The museum shows the development of mechanical clocks. Lantern clocks and longcase clocks are exhibited in the Beeson Room. The museum hold a collection of turned ivory and other objects made by Lady Gertrude Crawford.

The museum is also home to the Rochester Avionic Archive, which includes a collection of avionics that originated with the Elliot Brothers, but also includes pieces from Marconi and...

Visiting the History of Science Museum in Oxford was a truly memorable experience for me. As soon as I entered the historic building, I felt a sense of awe at the rich tapestry of scientific discovery that unfolded before me. Established in 1924, the museum is not only a treasure trove of scientific instruments, but it also tells the story of human curiosity and innovation.

I was captivated by the original telescopes used by astronomers like Thomas Harriot, and I marveled at the early medical instruments that showcased the evolution of medicine. Each exhibit felt like a window into the past, revealing the brilliance of minds like Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. I found myself lost in the fascinating narratives behind each artifact.

What I loved most was the welcoming atmosphere; the staff were passionate and eager to share their knowledge, making the experience even more enriching. I also appreciated the temporary exhibitions that kept the visit dynamic and engaging. For anyone who shares a love for science or history, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this museum. It’s a place where the past and present of science come alive, and I left feeling inspired...

Dave personally gave me a guided tour of the Museum of the History of Science. He spoke with infectious enthusiasm about 16th-century astrolabes (used to measure the height of celestial bodies above the horizon, time, and position on Earth), a selenographic moon globe by John Russell, and a moon poster partly drawn by his daughters. The poster is so remarkably accurate that, from a distance, you’d swear it was a photograph.

He also shared an elaborate story about the hospital bedpan once used by Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, along with the gold medal he donated to the museum in honor of his Nobel Prize—an accolade he humbly credited mostly to his team.

And last but not least, there was the tale of Einstein’s blackboard, which had mysteriously ended up in the janitor’s closet. The result on the board from the formulas represents the expansion rate of the universe (D), but with a multiplication error of 10² = 100 in the formula for D². Just a two-zero difference - but on an exponent of 53! 😄

Thank you Dave for your (at my request) quick...