Conference at the Deutsches Optisches Museum
October 14 - October 15
Call for Papers
Conference | Provenance Research Technical Cultural Assets | October 14–15, 2026 – Deutsches Optisches Museum, Jena
https://scientific-instrument-commission.org/event/conference-at-the-de…
Trading, Collecting and Knowledge Transfer.
Scientific Instruments and Time Measuring Devices
In numerous museum collections, scientific instruments, and time measuring devices from past centuries are of particular importance. Since the 16th century cabinets of curiosities, these collections of artifacts have been highly sought after by collectors, bearing witness to important manufacturers, passionate collectors, groundbreaking discoveries, and scientists of the past. As important elements of intercultural knowledge exchange, they mirrored the status of scientific advancements and understanding. When used in studies, laboratories, scientific research, or expeditions, such objects changed owners, locations, and storage places at different times. Owing to their exceptional craftsmanship and accuracy, scientific instruments and time measuring devices were regarded as valuable objects considered worthy of investment. They moved within the international art market, and sparked desire in contexts of war, displacement, and confiscation.