Optical Instrument Collection

Spectroscope (c. 1860) by Bunsen and Kirchhoff, published in 1880
Spectroscope by Robert Bunsen (German chemist, 1811 - 1899) and Gustav Robert Kirchhoff (German physicist, 1824 - 1884). A spectroscope is an optical device

French 19th century illustration of people buying and using a kaleidoscope
5306257 French 19th century illustration of people buying and using a kaleidoscope; Universal History Archive/UIG.

Earf of St Vincent
John Jervis, 1s Earl of St Vincent (1735-1823)

Drift Meter, Navy, Pioneer. Creator: Pioneer Instrument Company
Metal sight; in 51cm x 9cm x 17cm wood box; experimental

A zograscope for viewing a vue d optique (wood)
GHL209102 A zograscope for viewing a vue d optique (wood) by English School; London Metropolitan Archives, City of London; (add.info)

Galileo (1564-1642) presenting his telescope to the Venetian senate, from The Trial of Galileo (fresco)
ALI175523 Galileo (1564-1642) presenting his telescope to the Venetian senate, from The Trial of Galileo (fresco) by Sabatelli, Luigi (1772-1850); Museo di Fisica e Storia Naturale, Florence

Silhouette of man wearing deerstalker, dressed as Sherlock Holmes. (Photo by H
UNITED STATES - CIRCA 1950s: Silhouette of man wearing deerstalker, dressed as Sherlock Holmes

Nuremberg eyeglasses and cases: late 17th and early 18th centuries, (1934). Creator: Unknown
Nuremberg eyeglasses and cases: late 17th and early 18th centuries, (1934). From " The Connoisseur", Vol 93, No 389, January 1934. [The Connoisseur Ltd. London, 1934]

Various types of spectacles... of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, (1934). Creator: Unknown
Various types of spectacles with gold or silver frames of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, (1934). From " The Connoisseur", Vol 93, No 389, January 1934. [The Connoisseur Ltd

How A Ships Captain Uses The Sextant, 1935. From The Popular Science Educator, Volume 2, edited by Charles Ray. [The Amalgamated Press, Ltd. London]

How The Kaleidoscope Makes Its Patterns, 1936
How The Kaleidoscope Makes Its Patterns, 1935. From The Popular Science Educator, Volume 2, edited by Charles Ray. [The Amalgamated Press, Ltd. London]

Anatomy of the human eye and ear, published in 1861
Anatomy of the human eye and ear: 1) eye and eye socket, 2) eyeball (cross section, 3) eyeball with open sclera, 4) ear canals (cross section), 5) insulated inner hearing organs with earlobe

John Hadleys sextant, 1894. Hadley (1682-1744) was an English mathematician. From A Popular History of Science, by Robert Routledge, BSc (Lond.), F.C.S. [George Routledge & Sons, Limited

Glass manufacturing, c1870. The production and processing of various sorts of glass from plate, sheet (window) and moulded wares to crystal and optical items

Vintage travel camera
Antique illustration engraving of a Vintage travel camera

Marey photocronography
Antique illustration of a Marey photocronography

Stereoscopic camera
Antique illustration of a Stereoscopic camera

Illustration of of boy kneeling on rock looking through underwater viewer at shrimp and snails on seabed

Black and white Illustration of a magnifying glass held over a section of text from a wildlife book with a tiny spider visible

AN / AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles sit atop a fighter pilots helmet
AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles sit atop a fighter pilots helmet in the life support section Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska

AN / AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles
AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles

AN / AVS-6 night vision goggles used by the military
AN/AVS-6 night vision goggles used by the military

NIght Vision Goggles
Night Vision Goggles and frame that fit over a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle operators underwater face mask for use when SDV Navy SEALs transition from underwater to shore at night

Stock market news, headline Dax and markets in a newspaper seen through glasses

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"Exploring the World of Optics: A Journey Through Time and Invention" Step back in time with a glimpse into the fascinating world of optical instruments. From Bunsen and Kirchhoff's groundbreaking Spectroscope, invented in 1860, to the intricate zograscope for viewing vue d optique scenes from centuries ago, these instruments have shaped our understanding of light and vision. Join Galileo as he presents his revolutionary telescope to the Venetian senate, forever changing our perception of the cosmos. Marvel at Nuremberg eyeglasses and cases from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, showcasing craftsmanship that still captivates today. Discover how pioneers like Pioneer Instrument Company revolutionized navigation with their innovative Drift Meter used by Navy captains. Uncover the secrets behind John Hadley's sextant, an essential tool for sailors navigating uncharted waters. Immerse yourself in Sherlock Holmes' world as you gaze upon a silhouette of a man wearing a deerstalker hat - an iconic image representing deduction and mystery-solving prowess. Witness how spectacles evolved throughout history; various types from the late 18th to early 19th centuries offer glimpses into fashion trends intertwined with practicality. Explore not only sight but also sound as you delve into an anatomy illustration depicting both human eyes and ears published in 1861. Understand how these delicate sensory organs work together harmoniously. Finally, marvel at kaleidoscopes - enchanting devices that create mesmerizing patterns through mirrors reflecting colorful objects inside. Learn about their inner workings and appreciate their artistic allure. These they are more than just tools; they represent humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration. They remind us that curiosity knows no bounds when it comes to unraveling nature's mysteries.