Instrumental 4

Collections from Science: Physiology

Exploring the science of life, this is the fourth display in our ongoing series showcasing a range of tools used by physiologists and University students from the Macleay Collection.

Overview

The next iteration of of our ongoing exhibition, Instrumental: Collections from Science includes a range of tools that physiologists and students have used to understand the functions, mechanisms, and internal processes of living organisms and their parts.

Physiology teaching began at the University by 1884 after Anderson Stuart became the Professor of Anatomy and Physiology and led the establishment of the Medical School the year prior. From the outset, experimentation and the use of physiological instruments were included as part of the curriculum.

Physiology is the scientific study of how living things function. It became an independent discipline during the 19th century, spurred by increasing experimentation, teaching, new professional journals and societies, and advancements in instrumentation – including the invention of key recording instruments like the kymograph, sphygmograph, myograph, and more. 

Left to right: Kymograph, 1930s, CF Palmer Ltd, London, England, Macleay Collections, SC2021.58; ‘Service’ microscope, 1920-1940, W Watson & Sons Ltd, London, England, Macleay Collections, SC1989.6; Enlarged model of the human eye, early 20th century, unknown maker, Macleay Collections, SC2021.23.

50

automatic

A person wearing white latex gloves touches the dials of a microscope next to a large bronze machine and a model of an eye Link

Curator
Kelsey McMorrow

Designer
Trina Day Architect and Catseye Bay

Exhibition Manager
Luke Parker

Details

When

Open seven days a week
Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat - Sun: 12 - 4pm

Please note: The Chau Chak Wing Museum is closed from 5pm Friday 20 December 2024 and will reopen at 10am Tuesday 7 January, 2025.

Exhibition closes 2 February 2026

Location

Level 4 Mezzanine
Chau Chak Wing Museum

Cost

Free

Header image by David James

 

Get
in touch

Contact us

Phone: +61 2 93512812

Email: ccwm.info@sydney.edu.au

Chau Chak Wing Museum
University Place
Camperdown NSW 2050

Connect