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Microscope

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made in London

Postcard of Microscope.
000-180-001-017-C
© National Museums Scotland

Microscope

Although William Watson (1815-81) set his firm up in 1837, they did not produce their first microscope until 1876, when they built a 'steam factory' behind their showroom in Holborn, London. In the latter part of the 19th century, the family-run firm became one of the most renowned for microscope production. They introduced their 'Service' stand in 1919, and it continued in a modified form until 1970, as the 'Service II' from about 1950, and the 'Service III' from 1959.

The compound achromatic monocular metallurgical microscope is on an enamelled cast iron stand, with brass accessories. It has a fitted mahogany case (not shown).

This instrument was used in the Department of Forensic Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, between the wars. Its serial number, 40626, dates it to around 1925.


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Online ID: 000-180-001-017-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  
Date: Around 1925
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References:
  • Bracegirdle, Brian. Notes on Modern Microscope Manufacturers. London, 1996, pp 78-81. 
  • Payne, D.B. A Short History of the Watson Service Microscope. The Microscope 13 (1961), pp 7-14. 
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