The instruments in this part of the collection were obtained by Cal Poly Humboldt College (now Cal Poly Humboldt) between 1954 and 1973, when Humboldt was renamed California State University, Humboldt. These instruments were used in teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Life Sciences at a time of transition as Humboldt began moving toward its current position of national renown in Natural Resources and Sciences.

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

• The Instrument Collection (1954-73) is accessed via a table and list of devices by function.
• Science Teaching at HSC provides access to a variety of information about science education at Humboldt during the third quarter of the twentieth century.