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Spoliation reports

This institution also provides a list of works with incomplete provenance during the period 1933-1945.

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE

Designated collection

University of Oxford
Broad Street
Oxford
OX1 3AZ

CONTACT
Jim Bennett, Director
Tel. 01865 277280
Fax. 01865 277288

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF COLLECTION
The collection of the museum includes over 10,000 objects relating to almost all aspects of the history of science, from antiquity to the early twentieth century. Particular strengths include the collections of astrolabes, sundials, quadrants, early mathematical instruments generally (including those used for surveying, drawing, calculating, astronomy and navigation) and optical instruments (including microscopes, telescopes and cameras), together with apparatus associated with chemistry, natural philosophy and medicine.

1. OVERALL PLANS

PARTS OF COLLECTION EXCLUDED
Those objects acquired prior to 1933 and after 1945. Of the objects that fall within the period, most are of relatively low monetary value and of specialised interest. At this time, it would be unusual for the provenance of scientific instruments to be recorded in the same detail by collectors and museums as for works of art. The documentation relating to the 290 objects that fall within this period reflects this trend. Where provenance exists, generally an individual name was recorded, but little more.

INITIAL FOCUS FOR RESEARCH
The on-line collections database contains all known information relating to objects in the collection. This is updated as new information comes to light - but specific research on objects will not be undertaken unless a specific request is made.

TIMESCALE FOR RESEARCH
Resources do not permit ongoing research to be undertaken, but would be done on a case by case basis.

2. RESEARCH PLANNED IN TARGET AREAS
METHOD OF RESEARCH
An examination of the documentation for the 290 objects concerned has demonstrated the majority as being purchases, bequests and donations of the kinds discussed above.

3. INFORMATION ON MAKING GENERAL ENQUIRIES ABOUT COLLECTION
Lucy Blaxland, Collections Manager, museum address above
Tel: 01865 277452 Fax: 01865 277288 museum@mhs.ox.ac.uk

ARCHIVES
The Museum of the History of Science holds archive records relating to its collection of objects as well as manuscripts relevant to research in the history of science. Both types of material may be consulted in the Library by appointment.

Archives relating to the object collection include the original card index record of the foundation collection of Lewis Evans, and the Museum's own accessions registers.

A summary list of the manuscript collections is available in the library
section of the Museum's website (www.mhs.ox.ac.uk). Enquiries should be addressed to the Archivist, Museum of the History of Science, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ.

PRESS OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS
Please contact Jim Bennett, Director (details as above).

WEBSITE
http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk