Highlights of UCL Science Collections

Dog respirator
In the collection is an animal respirator that would have been used to keep an animal breathing during vivisection.

The 'Quincunx'
A device designed by Francis Galton where pins arranged in a 'quincunx' diamond pattern cause lead shot to be dispersed into the bell-shaped curve.

Astro clinometer
This astro clinometer is a navigational instrument invented for use by the RAF on long-range desert missions during World War II.

Fleming's thermionic valve
This valve was used by J. Ambrose Fleming in his early experiments leading to the development of the thermionic valve.

Fleming's slide collection
These two magic lantern slides are from a collection of over 3,500 slides, many of which were used by J. Ambrose Fleming.

Phrenology head
Phrenology is the long-disproven idea that the shape and size of someone’s head reflects their personal characteristics.

Ramsay discharge tubes
These discharge tubes were used by Sir William Ramsay in his discovery of five new elements now known as the noble gases.

Robert Liston’s surgical instruments
Selection of surgical instruments and tools used by pioneering surgeon Robert Liston.

Curta calculator
The world’s first pocket calculator.