Microscope

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This brass compound microscope dates from around 1890. Bought-in from Birmingham, it was retailed by Aberdeen jewellers A. & J. Smith. It was aimed at the student market.

The microscope has an inclining pillar and a black-painted cast iron tripod base. It is focused is by the push-pull tube and by turning the screw at the top of the pillar. The instrument is engraved 'A. & J. SMITH/ ABERDEEN'. It lacks its objectives.

The firm founded in 1867 by Alexander and John Smith was based in Nicholas Street. In 1879 the business moved to Union Street, where it remained until it closed in 1965.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-779-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1980.239
• Date: Around 1890
  c. 1890
  
• Material: Brass. Inscription: A. & J. SMITH, / ABERDEEN.
  
• Dimensions: 265 mm H
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: A. and J. Smith, Aberdeen (Retailer)
  A. and J. Smith, Aberdeen (Retailer)
  Arthur Frank Collection of Scottish Scientific Instruments
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Compound student microscope in brass and oxidised brass, on an inclining pillar and black-painted cast iron curved tripod base, signed by A. and J. Smith of Aberdeen, c. 1890
  
• References:
  • Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989. p 163 
  • T.N. Clarke, A.D. Morrison-Low and A.D.C. Simpson (1989): "Brass and Glass 
• Translations:
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