THE COLLECTIONS - HIGHLIGHTS
The Galton Collection
- Collection Hightlights
- Anthropogenics
- Statistics
- Fingerprinting
- Composite Photography
- Travel
- Geography & Astronomy
The Galton Collection
University College London
London WC1E 6BT
+44 (0)20 7679 2457
n.mcenroe@ucl.ac.uk
Collection Highlights
Galton's work in meteorology, geography and communications form part of this important collection - some highlights are listed below.
Anthropogenics
Instruments used by Galton in his studies of identity, heredity and intelligence. Includes craniometers, glass eyes, hair samples, and a hand dynamometer.
Statistics
Includes Galton's seed experiments, and his original Quincunx, which demonstrates a 'Normal Distribution'.
Fingerprinting
Galton was a pioneer in the development of modern fingerprinting techniques, and was the first person to prove, scientifically, that an individual's prints are unique and unchanging. The collection includes a variety of fingerprinting kits, examiners, and fingerprints taken by Galton.
Composite Photography
Galton's camera and composite photographs, which he used in an attempt to find "types" for instance the criminal "type".
Optical
Microscopes used in Galton's experiments, hand-made "hyperscopes" originally for looking over the heads of the crowds watching Queen Victoria's second jubilee, and prisms from early binoculars.
Travel
Souvenirs and travel equipment from Galton's time in Africa and the Near East. This is a "Sun Signal" - an instrument invented by Galton to allow travellers to signal their position to others using the sun.
Geography and Astronomy
Galton's camera and composite photographs, which he used in an attempt to find "types" for instance the criminal "type".
Portraits and Prints
Sir Francis Galton, his family and colleagues. Includes a personal portrait of Charles Darwin; Galton's cousin.
