The 19th century saw intense scientific activity in Padua, reflected in the rich collection of instruments in the Physics Cabinet. Many instruments were purchased and used during this vibrant period. Among the prominent professors was Salvatore Dal Negro, appointed professor of experimental physics in 1806 and active until 1839. His pioneering research is documented by electromagnetic apparatus and electric motors, among the first of the era. Thanks to his contacts with personalities from the Italian scientific community, such as Giuseppe Zamboni and Giovanni Battista Amici, the Cabinet was enriched with unique instruments, some shipped directly by the inventors or builders themselves.
After him, Giuseppe Belli contributed to the development of the Physics Cabinet between 1840 and 1843, but it was Francesco Zantedeschi, called in 1849, who significantly expanded the collection, establishing important contacts with Italian and European builders. Francesco Rossetti, his successor from 1866, continued to expand the Cabinet, also adapting the spaces to improve lessons and experiments.
Towards the end of the century, the museum was enriched with instruments designed and used by Augusto Righi, who inspired Marconi’s research, and by Giuseppe Vicentini who, in 1896, carried out numerous X-rays in Padua, just a few days after the discovery of X-rays.