Speculum carry box
Date
ca.1723
Creator
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Subject
Content object
Description
Wooden carry case for a speculum mirror, associated handle and eyepieces, created by John Hadley for a Newtonian reflecting telescope. The lid surface is plain with scratches and chips, two metal clasps are visible on each side and a keyhole on the front.
Label bearing the handwritten inscription: 'Hadley Speculum Fragile Box 904 1932-459'
Printed stickers inscribed: '9 0'
John Hadley (1682-1744) British natural philosopher and mathematician was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1717. Hadley developed ways to make parabolic speculum metal mirrors, allowing for higher definition and greater image clarity in his reflecting telescopes.
Label bearing the handwritten inscription: 'Hadley Speculum Fragile Box 904 1932-459'
Printed stickers inscribed: '9 0'
John Hadley (1682-1744) British natural philosopher and mathematician was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1717. Hadley developed ways to make parabolic speculum metal mirrors, allowing for higher definition and greater image clarity in his reflecting telescopes.
Object history
Exact provenance unknown. Mirror and telescope apparatus first shown to the Royal Society in 1721 and likely presented to the Society at a subsequent date by Hadley himself. Loaned to the Science Museum in 1932 and returned to the Royal Society in 2019.Loaned to the Science Museum in 1932 and returned to the Royal Society in 2019.
Related fellows
John Hadley (1682 - 1744, British) , Natural Philosopher
Associated place