Scientific Instruments

The scientific instruments that comprise the MHNC-UP’s collection once belonged to the former Laboratories of Physics, Chemistry and Mineralogy/Geology of the Faculty of Science, the oldest one being an astronomical regulator purchased in 1804 for the Royal Academy of Navy and Commerce, one of the institutions that preceded the University of Porto. These are primarily teaching collections, with some exceptions: the instruments from the Municipal Chemistry Laboratory (1884- 1916) and its annexed Photometric Post, several incorporations in the context of World War I, and

equipment associated with the activity of research units in the second half of the 20 th century.

The hhysics collection, by far the largest one, covers the different disciplines of this area of knowledge, and is comparable in quality to other renowned museums of science. Many European and American manufacturers from the late 19th and early 20th century are represented, which is of particular interest to the historian of science. An extensive subcollection of locally manufactured instruments enhances its historical value and cultural identity. The much smaller chemistry collection, however, presents an architectural piece of undeniable value: the analytical chemistry laboratory of the early 20th century, with its original fume cabinets and benches, recently recovered

with the look it displayed in the 1930s and 1940s. Crystallographic and structural geology models make up the bulk of the Mineralogy/Geology collection.

Curator in charge: Marisa Monteiro