The Allard Pierson's scientific collections are made up of various collections that reflect the history of science and research at the University of Amsterdam. Important collections include those of the Artis Library, the Royal Mathematical Society, the Royal Dutch Medical Association and the Heertje Library in the field of economics. The collection comprises printed works, manuscripts, archives, casts, photographs and scientific instruments, with material from the Middle Ages to the present. The collections encompass a range of scientific disciplines, such as pedagogy, art history and computer science, and are valuable sources for research in these fields.
Collecting areas
The Allard Pierson holds a large natural history collection with a focus on botany and zoology, including 20,000 books, 3,000 manuscripts, 70,000 animal prints, and archives of botanists and zoologists. The collection includes works from the 16th-20th centuries and has been expanded to include ecology and biodiversity.
The Allard Pierson holds extensive medical collections, including books, manuscripts, letters and archival material on anatomy, surgery, pharmacy and social medicine. Important loans are from the Royal Dutch Medical Association, with works on Herman Boerhaave and Petrus Camper. The collection also includes photographs of hospitals and medical archives.
This is the collection building on that of the former University Museum of the University of Amsterdam. It includes collections and objects related to research, education, student life, the buildings and academic customs.
