The phosphoroscope was invented by Alexander Edmund Becquerel and used to measure the amount of time that a phosphorescent substance will glow after being irradiated by a brilliant source of light.The phosphoroscope consists of a round metal chamber with a pair of rotating discs inside, arranged so that no light can pass directly through the chamber. The discs have cut-out windows spaced equally at regular angular distances and are turned by the hand crank linked to a gear mechanism. The sample is placed in a specially designed holder into the small opening near the gearing, and it is exposed to the light source through the large rear condensing lens.Engraved on chamber: 'Phosphoroscope de E. Becquerel / J. Duboscq a Parisbecquerel phosphoroscope, phosphoroscope, optical instruments, phosphorescent, alexander edmund becquerel, jules duboscq, france

The name 'Sea Pen', which name comes from its resemblance to bird feathers, originates from its more formal title of 'Pennatula'. There are various species, one of which (Phosphorea)is not uncommon at depths of 50 metres or more. It consists of a stalk by which the Sea Pen is probably fixed upright in the mud or sand, and of a fan like upper part. When alive it is brightly phosphorescent. The stalk is really a tube and can be inflated. The strands or polyps of the upper part of the creature are fused together in sets of a dozen or so, to form leaves up each side, somewhat like the barbs of a feather. The whole axis is supported by a firmly calcified internal stem. The preserved item in our collection has been bleached naturally in the preserving fluid over time. However the Sea Pen in this photograph is alive and displays as golden. It is positioned vertically with its stalk at the bottom and its fronds or feathers beautifully displayed along the upper part. The preserved item in our collection has been bleached naturally in the preserving fluid over time. However the Sea Pen in this photograph is alive and displays as golden. It is positioned vertically with its stalk at the bottom and its fronds or feathers beautifully displayed along the upper part.The use of such preserved specimens is widespread in teaching students of all ages, and museums of the composition of certain animals, insects, birds and sea creatures. Any information about an animal — be it photographs, blood, feathers or fur samples — is better than no information at all. But specimens are vital to ground-truth.Closed jar with an all white sea creature preserved in clear fluid. The head is uppermost, and the sea pen is positioned vertically in the jar.Golden Sea Penflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sea pen