Microscope

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This microscope is known as the 'Adams' Universal' design, as it was first described by the 18th century instrument maker George Adams in 1787. Made for the teaching and leisure end of the market, instruments such as this were increasingly used for scientific study, despite their unimproved optics.

The simple and compound microscope in brass comes with ten single lens objectives numbered 1 to 10, four lieberkuhns and two eyepieces. Amongst its accessories are a spring supra stage, a stage plate to hold various accessories, a fishplate, a livebox, three stage forceps, a stage magnifier and an eyepiece viewer. It is a remarkably complete survival, and would have cost £26-6-0 new in 1830.

Microscopes with uncorrected optics continued to be sold alongside the new achromatic instruments. The luxury end of the market seemed to be as intrigued by mechanical innovation as by optical changes, and it is possible that 'change for change's sake' helped to stimulate sales.

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-927-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Between 1820 and 1835
  
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  • Nuttall, R.H. Microscopes from the Frank Collection 1800-1860. Jersey, 1979, 31. 
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