Adams' equatorial theodolite
The Adams' equatorial theodolite is a universal astronomical instrument used for observations and angular measurement. Among its applications were positioning of celestial bodies, measurement of angular distances between them, measurement of time, and land surveying.
Since 22nd March 2012 the equatorial theodolite has been in possession of the JU Museum Collegium Maius, making it one of the few institutions in the world to include the instrument in their collections. The equatorial theodolite was made in the renowned workshop in London, owned by George Adams, who delivered scientific instruments to King George III. Purchased in an antique shop in Edinburgh, it is one of the three 18th century instruments of this type signed "Adams" remaining up to this day. The other two theodolites are kept in Museo Della Specola in Bologna, and in the collection of scientific instruments owned by the Harvard University in Boston.
The Jagiellonian University Museum is in possession of an exquisite art collection, but what makes the institution unique are ca. 2500 historical scientific instruments, which is one of the most significant collections in Europe. The equatorial theodolite is another priceless exhibit in Collegium Maius, together with the late 15th century astronomical instruments of Marcin Bylica of Olkusz, or the Moorish astrolabe from 1054.