3D Collection – a Telescope with Two Mirrors

This reflecting telescope belongs to the Observatory Collection. It was created by Rudolf Wolf (1816-1893). He was a professor of astronomy, head of Semper Observatory, director of the library of the Polytechnic (today ETH) and collector of astronomical instruments. He created an inventory of his collection in … Read more

3D Collection – an Anemometer for the Field

Prior to its incorporation into the collection of scientific instruments and teaching aids, this anemometer – also referred to as a cup cross anemometer – was part of the former Rübel Geobotanical Research Institute. The collection is now home to 71 objects from this institute. … Read more

Sammlung 3D – ein Theodolit von Georg Friedrich Brander

Dieser Theodolit aus dem 18. Jh. ist Bestandteil der Sammlung Sternwarte. Angelegt wurde diese von Rudolf Wolf (1816-1893). Er war Astronomieprofessor, Leiter der Semper-Sternwarte, Direktor der Bibliothek des Polytechnikums (heute ETH) und Sammler astronomischer Instrumente. Für seine Sammlung hat er 1873 ein Inventar angelegt. Leider … Read more

3D Collection – Measuring Areas using the Orthogonal Planimeter

«Probably never before have so many surface areas of flat figures needed to be calculated, while we are occupied with the most detailed land surveys and the most significant road constructions.» Carl Maximilian von Bauernfeind: Die Planimeter von Ernst, Wetli und Hansen, welche den Flächeninhalt … Read more

3D Collection – a Theodolite To Go

A theodolite is used to measure angles, for example in engineering, architecture or surveying. This theodolite is a travel theodolite dating from 1899. Due to its small size and low weight, it was well suited for use on excursions. ETH acquired this theodolite in 1899. … Read more

3D Collection – the Helmholtz and Meyerstein Ophthalmometer

We were fortunate enough to acquire this ophthalmometer together with around 1000 other objects from the former Institute of Physics for the collection of scientific instruments and teaching aids. Many of these objects come from lecture experiments, the Department of Industrial Research (AFIF) and optical research. … Read more

Sammlung 3D – eine C-35 im Zürcher Windkanal

Dieses Flugzeugmodell stammt aus dem ehemaligen Institut für Aerodynamik. Rund 430 Objekte, darunter weitere Flugzeugmodelle und andere aerodynamischen Forschungsmodelle, wurden 2019 an die Sammlung wissenschaftlicher Instrumente und Lehrmittel übergeben. Viele dieser Objekte wurden entweder im grossen Windkanal oder im Überschallkanal, für den das Institut weltweite … Read more

Sammlung 3D – ein Zürcher Vermessungskompass

Dieser Vermessungskompass, der auch dioptrische Prismenbussole genannt wird, kam 2020 mit rund 320 Vermessungsinstrumenten aus dem Institut für Geodäsie und Photogrammetrie in die Sammlung wissenschaftlicher Instrumente und Lehrmittel. Dioptrische Prismenbussole Die dioptrische Prismenbussole ist eine besondere Ausführung eines Kompasses, der ohne sichtbare Kompassnadel auskommt. Stattdessen richtet sich das … Read more

3D Collection – Wild Heerbrugg’s First Theodolite

This theodolite, called the WILD T2 universal theodolite, was purchased by ETH in 1923. This was also the year in which the Geodetic Institute was officially mentioned for the first time; this happened during the summer semester. However, geodesy and topography had already been taught … Read more

3D Collection – a Folding Sundial made of Ivory

  3D digitalisation at ETH library A project in which 20 selected objects were 3D digitalised using photogrammetry was launched by the collection of scientific instruments and teaching aids at ETH library in 2022. The images were captured using photogrammetry by Thomas Erdin from ikonaut in … Read more