These instruments were obtained by Cal Poly Humboldt College (now Cal Poly Humboldt) between 1936 when it was renamed from a State Teachers College to a State College, and 1953. This period includes the hiring of the first Professor of Chemistry, Dr Arthur Smith (1948), and the the completion of the first science building (the west-wing of Science A), with its accompanying instrument purchases, in 1952. The instruments were used in teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Life Sciences at a time when Humboldt still served mostly for the preparation of school teachers for the north coast region of California. However it was also during this period when Humboldt began to focus on programs important to the rich natural resources surrounding it, such as wildlife and forestry.

A variety of information is provided regarding science at Humboldt and the equipment used at the college for teaching science:

• The Instrument Collection is accessed via a table and list of devices by function.
• Science at Humboldt (1935-53) provides access to a variety of information about the beginnings of science education at Humboldt.