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Microscope

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probably made in England

Postcard of Microscope.
000-100-104-265-C
© National Museums Scotland

Microscope

This compound brass microscope was made between 1800 and 1850, probably in England. It is derived from an 18th-century design initially developed by the London optician Benjamin Martin.

A drum microscope, it has six single lens objectives. Its accessories include a glass stage plate, stage condenser, and stage forceps. It is unsigned.

Botanical microscopes such as this came into vogue from the mid 18th century, as all branches of natural history became fashionable, a fashion which lasted well into the 19th century.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-104-265-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1979.38
Date: 1800 - 1850
Between 1800 and 1850
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 70 mm D x 270 mm H
What: Microscope, compound
Subject:
Who: Arthur Frank Microscope Collection
Where: England
Event:
Description: Drum microscope in brass, with 6 single lens objectives, glass stage plate, stage condenser, forceps and case, unsigned but thought to have been made in England, 1800 - 1850
References:
  • Anon, 'Microscope' in Encyclopedia Britannia. Edinburgh: 1797, volume 9, figure 15: 'portable pocket microscope' 
  • Nuttall, R. H., Microscopes from the Frank collection, 1800-1860. Jersey Channel Islands: A. Frank, 1979, p 29 
  • Nuttall, R.H. (1979): "Microscopes from the Frank Collection 1800 - 1860" 
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