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History of Science Museum

Photograph (Collodion Glass Negative) of the Moon, by Warren De la Rue, August 11, 1865

Inventory Number 36760


Item type
Object
Provenance
Transferred from the University Observatory, Oxford.
Primary inscriptions
Various inscriptions scratched on the negative, including '1865' and 'in presence of Prof Hoek'; dot labels on mat inscribed '20 days' and '1865 Aug.11. 14 sec'.
Other inscriptions
Label on wooden frame inscribed: 'This Wet Collodion negative was exposed by De la Rue whilst Prof. Hoek of Utrecht was present 13in speculum. 1865 Aug 11' [in F. A. Bellamy's hand].
Physical material
Glass
Wood
Paper
Dimensions
Height: 102mm Width: 178mm
Inventory No
36760

Description

Collodion glass negative, with cover-glass and mat with circular aperture, wood framed in the manner of a lantern slide. The Moon at 20 days, photographed with De la Rue's 13-inch reflector with a 14-second exposure. Good surface detail. The moon's disc is 1 and an eight inches (29mm) diameter. Martinus Hoek (1834-1873), professor of astronomy at Utrecht and best known for his study of comets, was presumably visiting the private observatory of De la Rue, who was England's foremost astronomical and lunar photographer at the time; the 13-inch reflector later came to the University Observatory, Oxford.