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
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
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
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
«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
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
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
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
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
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