Scientific Artifacts are the tools, equipment, and supplies used for the observation of natural phenomena or to apply knowledge gained from such observation. These artifacts are divided into groups depending upon the particular body of knowledge in which they are used. In the Mayborn Museum collections these groupings include the following:
- Acoustic
- Armament
- Biological
- Chemical
- Construction
- Electrical and Magnetic
- Energy Production
- Maintenance
- Mechanical
- Medical
- Merchandizing
- Optical
- Regulative and Protective
- Surveying and Navigational
- Timekeeping
- Weights and Measures
Some interesting Scientific Artifacts in the Mayborn Museum collection include:
- A U.S. Army Officer’s saber with eagle head grip, etched with flags, flowers and leaves. It was reported to have been used in the War of 1812,
- The egg blower used by Charley and Emma Jones to prepare the bird egg collection that Dr. J. M. Carroll donated to Baylor University in 1896,
- A vacuum pump used at Baylor University when located in Independence, Texas,
- An 1846 portable dental chair headrest that could be affixed to any wooden chair,
- The original voting box used by the Baylor Masonic Lodge in Independence, Texas,
- The surveyor’s chain and theodolite used by John A. Flowers during his survey of the White Rock Creek area in 1885,
- A circa 1890 alarm clock which retailed for $0.39.