Scientific equipment on display at the stall at Gandhi Maidan on Monday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Patna, March 28: Science and books have a close relation, but when one thinks about a book fair, binoculars, telescopes, magnifying glasses are not the objects that come to the mind.

Sandhu Scientific Education and Aides, a Delhi-based company that has put up a stall at the book fair at Gandhi Maidan, has all these items. The fair has been organised by the National Book Trust.

Any difference attracts curiosity, and it was no different at the stall. A large number of customers turned up at the stall. Rahul Sharma, a student of Patna Science College, said: “I have come here to buy some science books related to my course. I am a student of physics. I was surprised to find such scientific items here. These are not seen everywhere, and considering that this is a book fair, I did not expect to come across such a stall. The magnifying glass with a handle of bone, bull and rhino horn, are something I am seeing for the first time.”

Rashmi Saxena, an engineering student, said: “I am feeling privileged to see the world’s smallest microscopes, which is hardly 5cm and this astronomical laser. Indeed, they are unique. In the beginning, I thought I would buy books but I never imagined that even scientific tools would be available. You can buy books at any book shop, but I am sure you would not get these anywhere in Patna.”

She was left confused when she had to decide which of the equipment she wanted to buy. “All these look very attractive and useful, especially the compass, used by army officials to measure the thickness of the mountain. Even the sand timer is fascinating, I can keep it at home as a showpiece,” she said.

Asked about the price of the equipment, Pankaj Agarwal, the owner of the stall, said: “The price depends on which kind of product the customer wants to buy. Telescope costs between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000, the price of a binocular ranges between Rs 350 and Rs 5,000. The magnifying glass costs between Rs 50 and Rs 2,500. The magnifying glass having bone and horn handles are quite expensive as they are not available everywhere. We have some of the antique scientific tools, like an antique compass made in London in 1940.”

He said: “Since the book fair has begun, we have been doing good business here. Many students were attracted with multipurpose knives, costing just Rs 250. Some students have bought telescopes. Girls are buying concave glasses in large numbers, which they can use during make-up.”