The Science Museum, London has 5 specimens from the HMS Challenger (1872-76) voyage as well as some of the scientific instruments that were used.
HMS Challenger at the Science Museum
In addition to the specimens collected on board HMS Challenger, the Science Museum has a small collection of equipment, models of the ship and archival material.
- 1935-13 – Induction coil, c.1870, taken on the “Challenger”
- 1921-683 – Marine Barometer, 1872 made by Patrick Adie, donated by J Murray
- 1921-678 – Microscope, E. Hartnack and Company; Carl Zeiss Optische Werkstaette, 1860-1872, donated by J Murray
- 1921-679 – Binocular microscope, Smith, Beck & Beck; Ross, Andrew; R. & J. Beck, 1857-69, donated by J Murray
- 1921-679/1 – Binocular Microscope, no. 4351, with triangular adjustable stand by Smith, Beck & Beck, London, England, 1857-1864. Fitted with 1 1/2-inch objective lens by Ross
- 1921-679/2 – Box with accessory eyepieces for binocular microscope by Smith, Beck & Beck, London, England, 1857-1869. Used on “Challenger” Expedition
- 1921-680 – Petrological microscope used in Challenger research, Voigt and Hochgesang 1860-76
- 1921-680/1 – Petrological Microscope used in Challenger research, Voigt and Hochgesang 1860-76
- 1876-815 – Two Miller-Casella thermometers broken by pressure
- 1876-825 – Weight-detaching depth sounder, 1867-1873
- 1918-22 – Baillie sounder (ex-Challenger), 1873
- 1918-25 – Slip Water Bottle Sampler from HMS Challenger, 1872
- 1977-25 – Model of the Bows Section of HMS ‘Challenger’ (1872-76 Expedition), 1977, Severn-Lamb Ltd.
- 1977-26 – Model of Midships Section, HMS Challenger (1872-76 Expedition), 1976-77, Severn-Lamb Ltd.
- 1977-23 – Model of the Chemistry Laboratory used on HMS ‘Challenger’ 1872-76 Expedition, Severn-Lamb Ltd.
- 1977-24 – Model of the Zoological Laboratory of HMS ‘Challenger’, 1977, Severn-Lamb Ltd.
- 1898-34 – 16 charts illustrating ocean temperatures at different depths, taken from Reports of the Challenger cruise, 1872-76
- 1898-35 – Three charts of sediment distribution, from Reports of the Challenger cruise, 1872-76
About the Science Museum, London
The Science Museum was founded in 1857 as part of the South Kensington Museum, and gained independence in 1909. Today the Museum is world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions.
The Science Museum Group is devoted to the history and contemporary practice of science, medicine, technology, industry and media. With five million visitors each year and an unrivalled collection, it is the most significant group of museums of science and innovation worldwide.
The Group consists of:
- Science Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- National Railway Museum (York)
- National Media Museum
- National Railway Museum (Shildon)
Wider collections
The Science Museum’s collections form an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical change since the eighteenth century. The Science Museum has over 300,000 objects in its care, with particular strengths in the history of western science, technology and medicine since 1700.
It has been uniquely placed to acquire objects recording the Industrial Revolution, and now holds unrivalled collections in this area. Medical artefacts from all periods and cultures also form an important part of its holdings.
The collections can be searched online.
Using the Science Museum’s data
Permission has been given to use specimen information and photographs in accordance with the National Archives Open Government Licence.