CHSI
The Collection
Since its inception in 1948, various Harvard departments and private benefactors have added material to the original nucleus of the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, which now contains over 20,000 objects dating from about 1400 to the present. A broad range of scientific disciplines are represented, including astronomy,
navigation, horology, surveying, geology, calculating, physics, biology, medicine, psychology, electricity, and communication. Significant instruments, made obsolete by new technologies, continue to be incorporated. Many of the documents detailing the purchase and use of the instruments
have been preserved, and are available for research in the Collection's adjunct library.
In an effort to provide greater access to these important objects and records, in 2007 the Department of History of Science instituted the use of a new, state-of-the-art data management system, including an exciting online component called Waywiser. Using Waywiser, online visitors can simply browse and discover the Collection, quickly search for information about particular items, or enjoy groups of instruments pre-selected by Collection curators in conjunction with special themes or exhibitions.
Resources
Gallery Hours
Putnam Gallery
Science Center 136
Hours:
Monday through Friday
11:00am to 4:00pm
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Science Center 251
Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00am to 5:00pm
Free and open to the public.
Children must be escorted by an adult.
Both the Putnam Gallery and Special Exhibitions are closed on University Holidays.
Inquiries: 617-495-2779
Directions
The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments is located inside the Science Center, 1 Oxford Street, on Harvard's Cambridge campus.
