Lewis Evans (collector)

Lewis Evans (1853-1930) was a British businessman, scientific instrument collector, and historian of scientific instruments. He is best known for amassing one of the world's most significant collections of early scientific instruments, particularly sundials, astrolabes, quadrants, and mathematical instruments.

Evans was born into a Quaker family with a strong interest in science and technology. He inherited a considerable fortune from his family's paper-manufacturing business, which allowed him to pursue his passion for collecting. He began acquiring instruments in the late 19th century, focusing on objects that demonstrated the development of scientific thought and practice.

His collection grew rapidly, encompassing instruments from various periods and cultures, including European, Islamic, and Asian examples. He meticulously documented his acquisitions, researching their origins, makers, and historical significance. Evans's meticulous cataloging and his extensive knowledge made him a leading authority on the history of scientific instruments.

In 1924, he gifted his collection, numbering over 3,000 items, to the University of Oxford, along with an endowment for its maintenance and expansion. This donation formed the foundation of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, which remains a premier center for the study of early scientific instruments. Evans served as the museum's first director until his death in 1930.

Beyond his collecting activities, Evans authored several important publications on the history of scientific instruments, including Old Time Makers of Mathematical Instruments (1920), which remains a standard reference work. His contributions significantly advanced the understanding and appreciation of these artifacts as crucial sources for understanding the evolution of science and technology.