The wooden box contains 1 metal mirror. The box contains a note with the following inscription: 'Property of the Needham Research Institute Cambridge, England “Magic mirror” belonging to Michael Ayrton of Toppesfield, originally obtained by his grandfather William Aryton, Professor of Physics at Tokyo University, for his experiments in which he determined the manner of action of the “light penetration mirrors” (透光鏡) See SCC IV pt 1 /p. JN 2 Apr ‘72' The note in red ink on the top of the page has been added later (in the 1980s?) than the subsequent description.