The scientific instruments on display in this room come largely from the Physics Cabinet of the University of Basel. This physics collection, which still exists today, includes apparatus and instruments that were used to demonstrate physics experiments in lectures. Jakob Bernoulli (1655-1705) gave his first experimental lecture in 1682. It is not known which instruments he used. The collection that still exists dates back to the 18th century, with the oldest of the objects on display having been acquired by Professors Benedikt Staehelin (1695-1750) and Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782). in 1986, the Basel Historical Museum was able to take over these early scientific instruments.
The majority of the elementary clocks on display came from the estate of Emanuel George Sarasin-Grossmann (1901-1970). A pronounced mathematical and astronomical interest led to a focus in his collection on sundials

Chronology of the Physical Cabinet

in 1682 Jakob Bernoulli (1655-1705) gave his first experimental lecture. It is not known which instruments were used.

1697 Theodor III Zwinger (1658-1724), professor of physics from 1687-1703, opens a Collegium experimentale physico-chymico-mechanicum for the first time.

in 1703 he became professor of anatomy and botany. In 1718 he sells all his physical instruments to a Bernese scholar for 40 louis d'or.

in 1705 Johannes I. Bernoulli (1667-1748) becomes professor of mathematics. Due to the lack of instruments, he cannot give experimental lessons.

1727 Benedikt Staehelin (1695-1750) is elected to the chair of physics. A separate physics cabinet is established. At the end of the 1720s, physical instruments worth over 1000 pounds are purchased from the famous precision mechanic Francis Hauksbee (1687-1763) in London. Some of these instruments have been preserved and are on display here.

in 1728, the cabinet receives its first own location in a newly built extension to the Stachelschützenhaus (St. Peter's Square).

in 1747, Mayor Samuel Merian wants to have the hall cleared, because the collection is in a critical condition.

1750 Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782) becomes professor of physics. He writes a report on the condition of the collection. Several inventories from the years 1751, 1752, 1755 and 1757 testify to the newly awakened interest in the instruments.

in 1782, Johann Jakob Thurneysen (1756-1804) succeeds him as professor of physics. He holds the Collegium experimentale only infrequently and eventually drops it altogether.

in 1798, the physics collection is moved from the Stachelschützenhaus to the lower Collegium at the Rheinsprung. There, the professor of mathematics, Daniel Huber (1768-1829), takes care of it. Under him, several purchases were made and revisions to the instruments were carried out.

in 1818 the university is reorganized: The Physical Cabinet moves to the Falkensteinerhof on Münsterplatz.

in 1820, Professor Peter Merian (1795-1883) takes over as director.

1835 Christian Friedrich Schönbein (1799-1868) becomes the new holder of the Chair of Physics and Chemistry

in 1849, the Physics Cabinet moves to the newly built museum on Augustinergasse

in 1874, the instruments are housed in the Bernoullianum.

in 1926, the cabinet finds a new location in today's Institute of Physics on Klingelbergstrasse

in 1986, the collection is deposited at the Basel Historical Museum and the exhibition is opened

VITRINES

1 Mechanics
Instruments of the Institute of Physics of the University of Basel

2 Optics
Instruments of the Institute of Physics of the University of Basel

3 Parabolic mirror and magnetism
Instruments of the Institute of Physics of the University of Basel

4 Electricity
Instruments of the Institute of Physics of the University of Basel

5 Heaven and Earth
Globe and armillary sphere

6 Heaven and Earth
Globe and measurement

7 Heaven and earth
Surveying

8 Compass and elementary clocks
Sundial

9 Compass and elementary dials
Sundial

10 Elementary clocks
Hourglass

11 Elemental clocks
Hourglass

12 Elemental clocks and calendar

13 Table showcase

14 Table display case

15 Table showcase

16 Table showcase