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.
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
Link
Curator
Kelsey McMorrow
Designer
Trina Day Architect and Catseye Bay
Exhibition Manager
Luke Parker
Open seven days a week
Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat - Sun: 12 - 4pm
Closed on Public Holidays
Until 31 December 2025
Level 4 Mezzanine
Chau Chak Wing Museum
Free
Header image by David James
Phone: +61 2 93512812
Email: ccwm.info@sydney.edu.au
Chau Chak Wing Museum
University Place
Camperdown NSW 2050
