Close
Physical history
21 January 2014
Modern scientific apparatus, all LCD screens and wipe-clean plastic, might be practical and powerful, but it lacks soul.
Surprisingly, perhaps, the age of brass and hardwood is not that far back in history. These two historic instruments, on display in UCL Physics & Astronomy, are less than a century old, yet they look like they come from a totally different age.
Above is a large demonstration model of a galvanometer (a device which measures electric current), with over-sized parts and a glass window to make them easier for students to see during classes. It was built around 1920.
Below is a mid-20th century manometer, a type of pressure gauge.
The upper attachment contains a small glass window (facing away from us in this photo, but visible in this close-up) through which readings would be taken.
Photo credit: Oli Usher (UCL MAPS), acknowledgement: Jim Grozier (UCL Physics & Astronomy)
Links
High resolution image
Galvanometer
Manometer
These images can be reproduced freely providing the source is credited
Open Days
The Faculty participates in a number of open days throughout the academic year, including the UCL Undergraduate Open Days and the UCL Graduate Open Day.
Friends of Out@UCL
Professor Ivan Parkin - Dean, UCL Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
"I fully support the aims of the Friends of Out@UCL campaign. I have personal experience of the need for such a campaign and the difficulties that the LGBTQ+ community face." Read more...
Snapshots from Space History
Online exhibition of historic space photos from the faculty's planetary science archives.