The library houses an interesting historical photo archive, consisting of about 5,000 photographic prints and negatives from the years 1850 to 1980, and partly representing the scientific instruments of the Museo Galileo as well as items, devices and other historical-scientific materials of Italian and foreign museums and institutions.
Noteworthy among the photographic holdings are several series which were on display at the 1st National exhibition of the history of science (Florence 1929), and were acquired through legacies or donations by the former Institute of the history of science (now the Museo Galileo). The Alinari photos of that exhibition, taken to document both the installation of the rooms and the displayed items, are partially owned by the library.
Particularly interesting are the Giorgio Roster collection and a collection of photographic portraits of physicians and scientists.
The cataloguing of the photographic material is ongoing.
Many photos are available in digital version. The materials, which are not accessible through the online catalogue, are available in intranet in the ICONA database.
search the historical photo archive