3D Collection – a Universal Sun Ring for Telling the Time

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This universal sun ring comes from the former collection of Rudolf Wolf (1816-1893). Wolf’s inventory dating from 1873 does not state clearly whether the universal sun ring was incorporated into the Wolf collection as a purchase or a donation. An improvement of the hanging sundial … Read more

Oppenheimer on his first encounters with Einstein

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.

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3D Collection – a Ring Sundial for Travelling

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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

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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

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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

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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

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«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

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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

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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

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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