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Microscope (detail)

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made in London

Microscope (detail)
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This photograph shows the signature on a compound microscope made in London between 1836 and 1838. Andrew Pritchard (1804-1882) was the third British optician to sell achromatic microscopes (the first being George Dollond, the second William Tulley). After an apprenticeship with his uncle, also an instrument maker, Cornelius Varley (1781-1873), Pritchard set up on his own in London in 1827. He experimented with the jewel lens, demonstrating that he was interested in improving the optics of the simple microscope. However, it is for his compound instruments, especially the so-called 'Pritchard mode' for which he is remembered.

The signature on one arm of the tripod base reads: 'Andrew Pritchard, / 263. Stand, London'. It is similarly signed on the body tube. Pritchard has his business premises at this address between 1836 and 1838.

The type of microscope which is now known as the Pritchard model was first announced in 1834. However, the receipt of the seven guinea Powell 1/8th inch objective, dating from 1840, survives, made out to 'The Rt Honble the Countess of Caledon', as do Pritchard's own undated instructions to her about the use of his three component objective.

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