Re Biological Research Magnet

Oxford Instruments PLC
10 August 2000



                Oxford Instruments Launches the
     World's Most Powerful Magnet for Biological Research


Oxford Instruments plc, the advanced instrumentation company,
announces today that it has developed and built the world's
most powerful magnet suitable for use in biological research.

The 900 MHz magnet will be used in NMR systems to carry out
biological and medical research into the 3-dimensional
structure of macromolecules such as DNA and proteins including
insulin.  Knowledge of these structures is essential for
understanding the molecular basis of disease and developing
new therapeutic drugs. With this powerful magnet, scientists
will be able to see these molecules in greater detail than
ever before.

Development of the magnet confirms Oxford Instruments'
position as a world leader in the production of
superconducting magnets.  The Company believes it is the first
to develop a magnet of this size that is capable of producing
reliable and consistent results.

Magnets such as this are used in NMR systems by biotechnology,
pharmaceutical and medical organisations involved in research
projects. This work is carried out by both government and
commercial organisations.

Oxford Instruments is supplying the 900 MHz magnet to Varian,
a leading supplier of NMR systems.

Andrew Mackintosh, Chief Executive of Oxford Instruments,
said:
'This   is  a  great  achievement  for  our  team  at   Oxford
Instruments, clearly demonstrating our world leading  position
in  the  design  and  manufacture of superconducting  magnets.
Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical research markets are
demanding   increasingly  sophisticated   tools   to   analyse
molecular  structures. Our 900MHz NMR magnet provides  a  step
towards  meeting  this  demand and the technological  advances
made  to develop this product can be used to develop the  next
generation of superconductive magnets.'


Ray Shaw, General Manager of Varian NMR Systems, said:
'The  successful  completion of the high  resolution  900  MHz
magnet   by   Oxford  Instruments  represents  an   impressive
milestone  achievement  in  NMR magnet  development  and  will
certainly be welcomed by NMR scientists who continue to tackle
many challenging problems in structural biology.'


Enquiries:

Oxford Instruments plc  01865 881 437
Andrew Mackintosh
Martin Lamaison

Citigate Dewe Rogerson  020 7638 9571
Chris Barrie / Melanie York



Notes to editors

1.  Oxford Instruments

Oxford Instruments is a global leader in advanced
instrumentation.  It is a recognised world leader in several
technologies, including superconductivity and the creation of
low temperatures and in neurological measurements.  The
Company's products are used all over the world for scientific
research, industrial chemical analysis and quality control,
semiconductor processing and healthcare.  Its customers
include most of the world's major international companies as
well as the leading research institutes.


2.  Varian

Varian, Inc. is a world leader in scientific instruments and
vacuum technologies, serving life science, healthcare,
chemical, environmental, and industrial customers.  It is a
major supplier of NMR systems, analytical instrument
solutions, vacuum products and services, and specialized
contract electronics manufacturing.

The company manufactures in 11 locations in North America,
Europe, and the Pacific Rim and employs more than 3,600
employees.  Varian, Inc. had 1999 sales of $599 million.
Additional information about Varian, Inc. is available at
www.varianinc.com


3.  Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Biochemists use High Resolution NMR for the detailed study of
living things at molecular level.  NMR works on the same
principle as MRI imaging used for medial diagnosis, but using
far stronger magnetic fields. NMR is one of the premier tools
used by scientists to analyse the 3-dimensional structure of
molecules. When molecules are placed in a strong magnetic
field, their ability to absorb and transmit high frequency
radio waves can be measured.  Scientists can interpret these
radio wave patterns and use them to reconstruct the structure
and shape of independent molecules or more complex
macromolecules. The stronger the magnetic field the greater
the detail that can be used.

The development of the 900 MHz magnet depended on devising new
techniques for handling and creating stable, strong coils from
advanced superconducting materials.
The magnet stands 4 metres tall and is 2 meters in diameter
with a 1 metre wide spiral staircase around the outside to
allow easy access to the top of the magnet.