Robert A. Paselk
Scientific Instrument Museum
Richard A. Paselk, Curator
25 artifacts from the Humboldt State Teachers and
Junior College period (1923-c.1935) are displayed. These include
the earliest scientific instruments used at Humboldt. All of
the Humboldt State Teachers College items are on permanent display.
Information on these instruments in available via the CASE MAP.
Information about individual instruments may also be accessed via the Humboldt State Teachers College Instrument Collection page.
Two items from the Humboldt State Teachers and Junior College period (1923-c.1935) are displayed here: a large demonstration slide rule, and a sonometer. All of the Humboldt State Teachers College items are on permanent display. Information on these instruments in available by clicking on the instruments in the picture above. Use your brower's back function to return.
Information about these instruments may also be accessed via the Humboldt State Teachers College Instrument Collection page.
A variety of items representing the Humboldt State College period (1936-1970) are on display in this case. Information on these instruments in available via the CASE MAP.
It may also be accessed in two locations inthe virtual museum by dates: the 1935-1953 HSC Instrument Collection page and the 1954-1973 HSC Instrument Collection page.
A new display case was installed in main Library display area in the Summer of 2011for special exhibits:
Scientific instruments encompass a wide variety of devices and artifacts intended to enhance our abilities to measure and observe phenomena. The instruments in this exhibit have aesthetic appeal and stories to tell. A personal selection from local collections, they hint at the diverse use of scientific instruments supporting the North Coast during the late 19th and early 20th century. Wherever possible some history of the particular artifact as well as a brief description of typical usage is provided.
In 1963 the analytical and physical chemistry laboratory had an extraordinary collection of chemical apparatus, representing some of the finest apparatus available at the time. A selection of these instruments is on display. Click on the icon for a CASE MAP with links to information on these instruments.
Two-pan, substitution and semi-electronic balances used at Humboldt after c. 1950 exemplify analytical balances used by chemists before the advent of the modern fully electronic digital balance. Additional balances (on display in our main Library exhibit cases, above) round out the exhibit with earlier wood cased balances and a two-pan balance with built-in weights. A variety of weights and weight sets are also shown and discussed. Click on the icon for a CASE MAP with links to information on these instruments.
A selection of specialty and standard glassware.
If you have additional information regarding the instruments you think I could/should include please share that information. I am particularly interested in additional contemporary catalog illustrations for the instruments missing that information. I am also interested in contemporary sources for the use of these instruments in teaching etc. I may be contacted by e-mail : rap1@axe.humboldt.edu; mail: Richard Paselk, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt State University, CA 95521; or telephone: (707) 826-5719
© R. Paselk
