An X-ray diffraction camera can determine the molecular structures of crystals, a technique which eventually proved crucial for the understanding of complex molecules such as penicillin, insulin and DNA. This camera was used at the Royal Institution by J. D. Bernal, a key figure in the development of crystal research and a prolific and versatile scientist. Bernal was one of the so-called 'red professors', who promoted the social function of science and wrote extensively on its history. His work included research on molecular biology, the origin of life, and the structure and composition of the Earth's crust.

Inv. 1963-44