Record

Microscope

< 15 of 113 > Back

probably made in Birmingham

Postcard of Microscope.
000-100-102-780-C
© National Museums Scotland

Microscope

This brass compound microscope dates from around 1890. It was probably made by J. Parkes & Son of Birmingham and was retailed by Aberdeen jewellers A. & J. Smith. This model was called 'The Worker' and was aimed at the student market.

The microscope has an inclining pillar and a black-painted cast iron tripod base. It is focused is by the push-pull tube and by turning the screw at the top of the pillar. The instrument is engraved 'A. & J. SMITH/ ABERDEEN'. It lacks its objective.

The two brothers Alexander and John Smith, who founded the firm of A. & J. Smith in 1867, were both members of the Aberdeen Incorporation of Hammermen. Alexander was admitted in 1877, John in 1880.


Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID: 000-100-102-780-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1980.240
Date: Around 1890
c. 1890
Material: Brass. Inscription: A. & J. SMITH, / ABERDEEN.
Dimensions: 250 mm H
What:
Subject:
Who: A. and J. Smith, Aberdeen (Retailer)
A. and J. Smith, Aberdeen (Retailer)
Arthur Frank Collection of Scottish Scientific Instruments
J. Parkes and Son, Birmingham (Maker)
Where: England, Warwickshire, Birmingham
Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
Event:
Description: 'The Worker' model compound student microscope in brass and oxidised brass, by J. Parkes and Son, Birmingham, signed by A. and J. Smith of Aberdeen, c. 1890
References:
  • Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989. pp 162-3 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson (1989): "Brass and Glass 
Translations:
Related Records:
< 15 of 113 > Back
 
Powered by Scran