NMS


 

Record

Microscope, made by Smith & Beck

< 94 of 113 > Back

in London

Microscope, made by Smith & Beck
Add to album

This achromatic monocular compound 'Students Microscope' was made by the firm Smith & Beck in London in 1850. It is signed on the body tube, and numbered 324. It has an iron reverse claw foot, and comes with one objective and one eyepiece.

By 1840, three new instrument makers, exclusively manufacturing microscopes, had emerged in London, who had learned how to make successful achromatic instruments. Through J.J. Lister's optical theory and their own remarkable skill, their microscopes were the best available optically. One of these, James Smith (d. 1870), seems to have worked exclusively for the trade until 1839, when he was assisted in business by Lister, with whose nephew Richard Beck he formed a partnership in 1847.

Besides their expensive Lister-limb design, Smith & Beck produced microscopes at about six guineas (£6-30) for the growing student market. These were pitched at a relatively low price in competition with imported Continental microscopes, and were listed in Smith & Beck's catalogues for over thirty years. This particular instrument was sold to a 'Mr Dillwyn' in January 1850.

Record details

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


< 94 of 113 > Back