Haemoglobin model

Biochemistry

1967

Haemoglobin model, with four movable sections, built in 1967, by Max Perutz

Silver microscope by George Adams, c. 1761.

Microscopes

1763

Silver ‘Universal Double Microscope’ with ornate decoration by George Adams the Elder, Fleet Street, London, c. 1763. The drawer in the base contains several accessories: an alternative eyepiece and eye cap, a stand for the jointed arm, three sets of objectives, talc discs for slides, a fishplate with a glass slide attached, three magnifiers, a pair of stage forceps, a live box, a pair of tweezers and a nosepiece.

North Eastern Railway locomotive Aerolite

Locomotives and Rolling Stock

1869

Steam locomotive, North Eastern Railway, 2-2-4T No 66, "Aerolite", designed by Edward Fletcher, built at Gateshead in 1869, withdrawn in 1933.

Edison carbon button transmitter No. 32, 1878

Telecommunications

1878

Edison carbon button transmitter No. 32, invented by Thomas Edison, United States, 1878.

Edison's electric carbon filament lamp

Lighting

1879

Original incandescent electric carbon filament lamp, by Thomas Alva Edison, Menlo Park, New Jersey, United States of America, with bulb made by Ludwig K. Boehm, Menlo Park, New Jersey, United States of America, 1879

Principal varieties of mankind', 3 May 1850.

James Reynolds

1850

Geographical Diagram. The Principal Varieties of Mankind. Published by James Reynolds 174 Strand, London. 3 May 1850. Drawn and engraved by John Emslie.

'Openshaw' artificial wooden hand

Orthopaedics

c.1919

"Openshaw" wooden carrying hand with a tenon thumb. The index and middle fingers are articulated at the metacarpo-phalangeal and proximal inter-phalangeal joints. The ring and little fingers are rigid and slightly flexed with a steel palmar reinforcement, which extends into the palm. The wrist is oval with a screw fitment for attachment to the prosthetic arm. Made by Anderson & Whitelaw c.1919.

Gyroscope platform

Space Technology

1945

Gyroscope platform with two gyroscopes, for V2 rocket.

A steam hammer at work

James Hall Nasmyth

1871

Painting. [A steam hammer at work] / by James Nasmyth (1808-1890), 1871. Oil on board; 40 x 50 cm, in gilt frame 52x62x6cm. Initialled and dated bl, J.N. 1871. This is an apotheosis of the artist-engineer's invention of 1839 as a triumph of civil engineering. Inside a foundry works, the large steam hammer is shaping a massive iron bar before it can be rolled onto a plate. Possibly the sketch exhibited at a Conversazione of the Institution of Civil Engineers on 1871 June 6, item 46, and painted at their request. Steel-making

DEC PDP-8 minicomputer, 1965.

Computing & Data Processing

1965

Digital Equipment Corporation PDP - 8 minicomputer serial no.857, 1965

One crystal model of Mg NH4 PO4 6H2O, magnesium ammonium phosphate

Experimental Chemistry

1930-1970

One crystal model of Mg NH4 PO4 6H2O, magnesium ammonium phosphate. Associated with Kathleen Lonsdale's interest in stones produced with the human body e.g. kidney or gall stones. From a collection relating to the X-ray crystallography research carried out by Dame Kathleen Lonsdale at University College London.

'Man & Woman Cream' sexual aid

Materia Medica & Pharmacology

c2010

‘Man & Woman Cream’ herbal cream to enhance sexual function, purchased in Ghana, unknown manufacturer, c2010.

Photograph of actress Hedy Lamarr in the 1933 film 'Ecstasy'

Photographs

1933

Scene still photograph of Hedy Kiesler (Hedy Lamarr) and Leopold Kramer in the 1933 Czech-Austrian film 'Ecstasy' (directed by Gustav Machatý).

Bell transmitter with membrane diaphragm, 1875-1877

Telecommunications

1875-1877

Early type of Bell transmitter with membrane diaphragm, invented by Alexander Graham Bell, made by Charles Williams Jr,, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 1875-1914. This is an exact replica of Bell's first telephone made in June 1875 and was made by the same maker, Charles Williams Jr. of Boston, whose name is stamped on the baseboard.

record player

Sound Reproduction

1956

Ferranti record player, 1956.

Bryant & May ‘Brymay’ safety matches, London, England, 1890-1940

Smoking

1890-1940

Cardboard and chipboard safety matchbox, "Brymay" trademark, made by Bryant and May, 1920-1960

Whitsun traffic on the Rochester Way

Photographs

1950-05-28

A photograph showing Whitsun traffic returning from the South-East coast, taken in May 1950 by John Topham for the Daily Herald. Despite being entitled 'Whitsun Traffic on the Rochester Way', the location has been identified as Farningham Hill, Kent. Typed inscription on the back of the photograph reads; DH., Agent., Topham., Sidcup., 28-5-50. Whitsun Traffic on the Rochester Way. OPS, Scene on the Rochester by pass today at Farningham, Kent, showing traffic retuning from S.E. coast resorts. The first coupon-free-petrol holiday since 1939.

Two boxes of ‘Distaval Forte’ thalidomide tablets

Materia Medica & Pharmacology

1958-1962

2 metal containers, each containing 12x100mg of Distaval Forte tablets (thalidomide), by The Distillers Co. Ltd., 1958-1962

Boxes of Fennings' Little Healers, England, 1940-1970

Materia Medica & Pharmacology

1940-1970

1x12 boxes, in pack, of Fennings Little Healers, cost 1/6d, by Alfred Fennings, 1940-1970

Raytheon Model M-1601 console television receiver

Television

1950

The Donald Fleming Collection of North American television receivers: Raytheon Model M-1601 C-1602, 17" console television receiver, 1949. 'Washing Machine' (circular screen or 'porthole') Type Set. Very unusual looking set to Europeans used to oblong screens.

Booklet of 'Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions' by Anna Atkins

Photographs

1843-1853

Booklet of cyanotype impressions, 'Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions' by Anna Atkins (1799-1871) Part 1 of Fox Talbot's own copy, sewn in original blue wrapper.

Miniature terrestrial globe by J. Manning. Late 19

Astronomy

1850-1860

Miniature terrestrial globe by J. Manning. Late 19th century

Going North, King's Cross Station

Pictorial Collection (Railway)

1893

Painting, oil on canvas, Going North, King's Cross Station, by George Earl, 1893. Depicts a busy platform scene at Kings Cross Station as a train of East Coast Joint Stock carriages is prepared for departure. One carriage has a destination board for Edinburgh and Perth "via the Forth Bridge", another for Aberdeen "via the Forth & Tay Bridges" and the third for Perth. There are groups of passengers and their servants, including a ghillie, Indian ayah, grooms and footmen. A soldier kisses his wife goodbye. There are about twenty hunting dogs, including spaniels, setters and pointers, and the luggage includes fishing tackle, golf clubs, guns and other sporting equipment. Station staff adjust the oil lamps, carry luggage and assist crowds of passengers. Beneath the curve of the train shed roof are advertisements for the Daily Telegraph and Van Houten's Cocoa, and Pears Soap featuring "Bubbles" by Millais. Signed and dated by the artist at bottom right. Framed and glazed.

Rolls-Royce Avon 100 Turbine Engine

Aircraft Propulsion

1950

Avon 100 Series gas turbine engine, made by Rolls-Royce Ltd, East Kilbride, c.1950.

Electronic talking 'Lovable Bear'

Domestic Appliances

1999

Electronic talking 'Lovable Bear' child's toy, with speech synthesiser, in packaging, 1999

Paillard-Bolex B8 8mm cine camera

Cinematography

1953

Paillard-Bolex B8 cinecamera. Made in Switzerland. Standard 8mm. Yvar lens F:13mm f/1.9, No. 548378, and Kinotel lens F:38mm f/1.9, No. 2094, in two lens turret. Clockwork drive 8-64 fps. Totaly closing adjustable shutter. No. 616799.

Bo-Bo No 1

Locomotives and Rolling Stock

1902

Electric locomotive, North Eastern Railway, Bo-Bo No 1, 3rd rail and overhead pick-up, built by Brush in 1902, withdrawn in 1965.

Wax anatomical figure of reclining woman

Anatomy & Pathology

1771-1800

Main body of wax anatomical model of reclining woman with removable internal organs, probably from Florence, late 18th century

Main component of Siemens ‘Elmiskop 1’ electron microscope

Microscopy (Wellcome)

1945-1955

Main component of Siemens Elmiskop 1 electron microscope, the first electron microscope used in the Department of Human Anatomy at Oxford, c. 1950

AN/PSN-8 Manpack GPS receiver, 1988-1993

Navigation

1988-1993

AN/PSN-8 Manpack GPS receiver, manufactured by Rockwell Collins, Cedar County, Iowa, United States, 1988-1993.

The Ardente Hearing aid, London, England, 1920-1930

Audiology

1920-1930

The Ardente Hearing aid, manufactured and sold by Mr.R.H. Dent's, Oxford Street, London, England, 1920-1930

Marine timekeeper known as 'H5' by John Harrison and Son 1770

Clockmakers

1770

Silver pair-cased verge escapement marine timekeeper, known as H5, by John Harrison & Son, London. White enamel dial with gold central star to adjust hands. Verge escapement with Harrison’s special diamond pallets. Steel balance and spring. Fusee. Maintaining power. 7 1/2 seconds remontoir on 4th wheel. All wheels from the 3rd, jewelled. Long bimetallic strip on adjustable frame. Original key and starting pin. Signed ‘John Harrison & Son London 1770 No. 2’. Case hallmarked for 1768 – 9 and stamped ‘HT’ (probably Henry Taylor who became a free Clockmaker in 1746). With original mahogany carrying case and three silk cushions.

Model of the Post Office Tower, 2014

Telecommunications

2014

Model, scale 1:100, of the Post Office Tower (BT Tower), London, opened in 1964, made by Henry Milner, England, 2014.

Electric motor used by James J

Scientific Instruments & Research

1860

Electric motor used by James Joule, c.1860. Armature original but the rest may be replica. This simple electric motor was used by the scientist James Joule for experiments about energy. Joule was a Salford resident and the son of a brewer. He was taught by the famous scientist John Dalton. Joule's experiments in 1845 led him to an new understanding of energy conversion. Research by Joule showed that electricity, mechanical work and heat are all the same thing - forms of energy. He used equipment like this to learn that formd of energy are interchangeable and that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Joule is remembered as one of the founders of modern physics. From 1948 the Joule became a standard international unit of energy measurement.

AI-24 Foxhunter Radar

Radar & Radio Location

1970-1990

Ferranti/Marconi AI-24 Foxhunter air interception radar, as fitted to BAe Tornado F3 interceptors, on serving trolley.

Alarm clock, mounted on model of coffin

Anatomy & Pathology

1840-1900

Alarm clock, mounted on model of coffin with skeleton, probably English, 1840-1900

Telephone receivers with wooden handles, 1877-1902

Telecommunications

1877-1902

Two early 'butterstamp' telephone receivers with wooden handles and square diaphragms, believed to have been the property of Dr Alexander Graham Bell, unknown maker, 1877-1902

Sign for keeping away evil spirits, China, 1801-1900

Asian Medicine

1801-1900

Raffia hanging loop, for large wooden sign, painted with a demons face, hung outside house to keep away evil spirits, China, 1801-1900

Wall mounted amusement arcade machine

Public Health & Hygiene

1931-1940

Amusement arcade machine, for wall mounting, with central targets marked either 'won' or 'lost', activated via penny (1d) slot and rewarded winning players with a cigarette payout, no maker indicated but probably made in UK, c. 1930-1940.

Moon globe by John Russell;England;1797

Astronomy

1797

Moon globe 12-inch in diameter on libration stand, by John Russell, R.A., London, England, 1797. Known as ‘Selenographia’, the globe shows the nearside of the Moon visible from Earth. It has a mechanical mounting which demonstrates lunar libration, and which also features a miniature terrestrial globe.

Spirit of the Southern

Pictorial Collection (Railway)

1969, about

Painting, acrylic on canvas, British Railways, Southern Region, 'Spirit of the Southern', viaduct, train and Downs, by Harry Stevens. A contemporary depiction of a commuter train passing over a viaduct, surrounded by a number of hills beyond which is the sea. The linear portrayal of the train and track contrast with the exaggerated undulation of the hills, fields and clouds. Commissioned by L.W Ibbotson General Manager of the Southern Region in 1969 to promote the 'Southern into the Seventies' campaign. Framed 1970.

London Midland & Scottish Railway Collection

Photographic Collections (Railway)

1905-1948

Photographs, a collection of approximately 3,420 silver gelatin glass negatives, 5 x 4 ins to 12 x 10 ins and approximately 225 cellulose nitrate and triacetate safety film negatives, 5 x 4 ins to 8½ x 6½ ins, featuring the operations of the London & North Western Railway and the London Midland & Scottish Railway. Covering passenger and freight services, shipping, railway staff at work, people, scenic views, c1905-1948. The work of photographers of the LNWR, LMS and British Railways (London Midland Region) based at the Publicity Department, Euston. Known as the "LMS Collections". Complete with three handwritten registers with captions to the images. Negatives are numbered from LMS 12 to 11,698, but the series is incomplete.

Miss Windermere VI Powerboat

Water Transport

1993

Miss Windermere VI powerboat, the world's fastest prop-driven boat: the fastest boat in history on Lake Windermere, holder of the British National Immersed Propeller Record and holder of the World Over 7000cc Water Speed Record. Built in 1993. There is an accompanying VHS tape showing successful speed record attempt, 17 October 2003, held in the museum archive, ref YA2007.30.

Tube Cube television

Television

c.1980

Tube Cube television, made by Pye Ltd, Cambridge, c.1980.

Complete Omega Speedmaster watch with velcro strap

Space Technology

Complete Omega Speedmaster watch with velcro straps as used on American Apollo programme

Kodak 'Brownie' Camera, about 1955

Domestic Appliances

1953-1958

Kodak 'Brownie' 127 roll film camera, fitted with a 'Dakon' fixed lens, by Kodak Limited, England, 1953-1958

Electronic storm surge modelling machine

Oceanography

1960-2007

Electronic storm surge model, invented and constructed by Shizuo Ishiguro at the National Institute of Oceanography, Wormley, 1960-2007. The Electronic storm surge model is a depth-integrated single-layer two-dimensional electronic model based on hydrodynamic equations used to examine tidal surges, comprising three main units; a unit holding the input and output devices (Advance Instruments OS-240 oscilloscope, Commodore CBM 8032 Computer and Commodore 2031 5¼" floppy disk drive, and another two units (connected and wired together in a V formation) forming the mesh framework of the machine.

Keracolor Sphere TV set

Television

1970

Keracolor Sphere TV set, made in 1970 by Group Systems (Keracolor) Ltd, Northwich, with associated archive material.

Kodak No 1 Camera

Photographic Technology

c. 1891

Kodak No 1 camera, manufactured by Eastman Kodak Co 1889 to1895. Box camera for factory loaded film, 100 exposures. 2 1/2" diameter / rapid rectilinear lens, fixed aperture and focus, sector type shutter, cocked by string, with attached lens plug. Serial No 10275 embossed in top and rear of camera body.