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Detail of glass fungus model

Explore Whipple Collections

In-depth articles about some of our key collections.

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Read more at: About Us

About Us

Who we are, our history and how to get involved

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Read more at: Learning

Learning

School visits, guided tours and more

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Opening Times

Please note that the Learning Gallery is likely to be closed all week.

We are open five days a week, 12.30 - 16:30.

Monday 12.30 - 16:30

Tuesday 12.30 - 16:30

Wednesday 12.30 - 16:30

Thursday 12.30 - 16:30

Friday 12.30 - 16:30

We hope to see you soon!

Explore Collections

Abacus and base and Napier's bones

In the early 17th century, Scottish mathematician John Napier introduced the logarithm to speed up calculation by hand, along with other means of representing multiplication problems including the numbered rods or 'bones' for which he became known. These developments laid the foundation for mechanising calculation.

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