In Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer about the “father of the atomic bomb,” the figure of Albert Einstein plays an important supporting role. Several times and at crucial points in the film, J. Robert Oppenheimer seeks the advice of and exchanges ideas with Albert Einstein. Only about the first encounter between the two the film tells nothing.
3D Collection – a Ring Sundial for Travelling
This ring sundial comes from the former collection of Rudolf Wolf (1816-1893). The ring sundial is listed but not dated in Rudolf Wolf’s 1873 inventory, and no mention is made of the manufacturers Christian Jenderich and J. Linzner. Ring sundials Portable ring sundials can be … Read more
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
3D Collection – a Theodolite by Georg Friedrich Brander
This 18th century theodolite is part of the Observatory Collection. It was created by Rudolf Wolf (1816-1893). He was a professor of astronomy, head of the Semper Observatory, director of the library of the Polytechnic (present-day ETH) and collector of astronomical instruments. He created an … 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
3D Collection – a C-35 in the Zurich Wind Tunnel
This aircraft model comes from the former Institute of Aerodynamics. Around 430 objects, including other aircraft models and other aerodynamic research models, were transferred to the collection of scientific instruments and teaching aids in 2019. Many of these objects were tested in either the large wind tunnel … Read more
3D Collection – a Zurich Surveying Compass
This surveying compass, also known as a dioptric prismatic compass, was added to the collection of scientific instruments and teaching aids in 2020 together with around 320 surveying instruments from the Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry. Dioptric prismatic compass The dioptric prismatic compass is a special version … Read more