Microscope

Add to album

This folding pocket microscope (pictured here with its case) was made around 1800, probably by W. & S. Jones, scientific instrument makers based in London.

The simple microscope has a single lens in a holder and a pin for mounting the specimen. The small ivory handle and the magnifying glass fold inwards to make the microscope compact for carrying.

According to G. L'E Turner, this pattern seems to have been first illustrated in the second edition of George Adams' 'Essays on the Microscope' (London, 1798), which was published by W. & S. Jones. Whether the design originated with the Joneses is not certain.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-100-104-220-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1938.103
• Date: Around 1800
  c. 1800
  
• Material: Glass
  Microscope, pocket, folding / case
  
• Dimensions: 2.00" x 0.75" (folded)
  
• What: Microscope, pocket, folding / case
  
• Subject: 22. PHYSICS, Light (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: W. and S. Jones, England (Maker)
  
• Where: England
  
• Event:
• Description: Folding pocket microscope in a case, a microscope of simple type with point for impaling insects, the small handle and magnifying glass folding inwards to make microscope compact for carrying, c. 1800
  
• References:
  • For other Wilson screw-barrel microscopes, see Turner, G. L'E., The Great Age of the Microscope: the Collection of the Royal Microscopical Society through 150 years. Bristol & New York, 1989 pp 258-259 
• Translations:
• Related Records: