Our Collections Search the LEONARDO Catalog Science Engineering and Technology History of Science Digital Collections Databases | History of Science CollectionSpecial Collections and Rare BooksThe History of Science Collection is the library's special collection of rare books on science, engineering, and technology. It includes printed books from the fifteenth century to the present. Additional materials to support historical research are available in the library's general collections of over one million volumes. Two rare book rooms adjacent to the library's main reading room provide space for readers, visiting scholars, and group visits. Use of the CollectionThe Linda Hall Library Rare Book Rooms are open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Readers and visitors are advised to contact staff to make an appointment in advance of a proposed visit. The Linda Hall Library is pleased to provide reproductions of certain items from its collections on this website. Please read our information regarding the proper use, reproduction, and publication of images before downloading any materials found on this site. History of Science and Rare BooksFrom its opening in 1946, the Linda Hall Library has included resources for study in the history of science and technology. In 1947, the purchase of the entire library of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences provided the foundation of a rare book and reference collection to support research in the history of science and technology. Smaller collections, such as portions of the Herbert Hoover collection of rare books in mining and metallurgy, the Robert B. Honeyman collection of scientific books, and the George White collection in early geology were acquired in the 1980s. In 1995, the entire collection of the Engineering Societies Library was transferred to the Linda Hall Library, including the Ball Gemmology Collection and hundreds of early books on engineering, mathematics, physics, geology, and other related sciences. Scientific JournalsLong runs of scientific and technical society journals dating from the seventeenth century are a special strength of the library's collections, with more than 40,000 titles currently represented. A long-term acquisitions program has filled in the gaps for older titles, while current acquisitions assure a steady flow of the most recent scientific and technical journals, including those dealing with the history of science and technology. Subject CoverageSubject areas of special strength in the History of Science Collection include astronomy, mathematics, physics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Natural sciences of the Renaissance period are also well represented, especially encyclopedic works, descriptions of natural history museums and collections, works on classification, early herbals, and works on natural magic. Scientific works by Jesuit authors of the Renaissance period have been actively collected, as have works on the history of geology and paleontology, including theories of the earth. Books describing engineering projects, inventions, and machines represent another area of strength. Classics and LandmarksLandmarks of science and technology that have become recognized for their seminal influence, groundbreaking ideas, or presentation of initial discoveries are included in the collection. Examples include:
ExhibitionsExhibitions of rare books from the History of Science Collection are presented throughout the year in the library's exhibit hall. A full listing of the library's online exhibitions is available at http://www.lindahall.org/events_exhib/exhibit/index.shtml. Recent exhibitions include:
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