The Museum was established in 1988 to display scientific instruments and devices dating back to the origin of The University of Queensland in 1911. Optical, electrical, acoustical and many other types of equipment are represented. As well as the near antiques, with their shining brass and glowing mahogany, the collection also houses examples of more modern but equally obsolete items like electron tubes, spiral slide rules, a computer cardpunch and sheets of computer magnetic core memory. Most of the items on display are of interest as they illustrate principles of physics and highlight the craftsmanship involved in their making. The museum also has collections of relevant books, catalogues and instruction manuals.
