![Postcard of Microscope.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0504/05040945.jpg&PHPSESSID=mh72aft49naj4btgvetccqdnc3) 000-180-000-945-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Microscope
This achromatic, compound, low power, dissecting microscope in brass was made in London between 1840 and 1850. Although the signature 'DOLLOND. LONDON' on the bar-limb implies that this instrument was made by the famous optical firm of Dollond, it was made by the specialist London microscope makers Powell & Lealand.
The sole accessory of this microscope is a large G-clamp which allows the stand to be fixed to the edge of a table.
Hugh Powell (1799-1883) appears to have worked as a supplier for the instrument trade before he set up on his own and began, in 1840, to sign his microscopes 'Hugh Powell'. In 1842 he took his brother-in-law, Peter Lealand, into partnership, and thereafter instruments were signed 'Powell & Lealand'. The firm made low-power microscopes of this type as auxiliary to their more expensive instruments. This dissecting model is associated with another more powerful microscope retailed by Dollond.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-180-000-945-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland T.1979.56 |
Date: |
Between 1840 and 1850
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Material: |
Brass Inscription: DOLLOND, LONDON
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Dimensions: |
380 mm H
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What: |
Microscope, achromatic compound
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Subject: |
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Who: |
Arthur Frank Microscope Collection Dollond, London (Name engraved on microscope) Powell and Lealand, London (Maker)
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Where: |
England, London
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Event: |
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Description: |
Achromatic compound dissecting microscope in brass with low power objective, eyepiece and G-clamp, made by Powell and Lealand of London, and signed by Dollond of London, 1840 - 1850
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References: |
- For Dollond, see Porter, Roy, Simon Schaffer, J.A. Bennett and Olivia Brown. Science and Profit in 18th Century London. Cambridge, 1985, pp 29-30.
- For Powell: see Turner, G. L'E. 'Hugh Powell, James Smith and Andrew Ross: Makers of Microscopes. In: J. North (ed.), Mid-Nineteenth Century Scientists. Oxford, 1969, pp 104-138.
- Nuttall, R.H. Microscopes from the Frank Collection 1800-1860. Jersey, 1979, p 39.
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