Microscope

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This brass pocket microscope (pictured here with its leather-covered case) was made between 1800 and 1850, probably in England. It is unsigned, although the base is engraved with a one-time owner's initials: 'H.M. & R.D.M./TO/S.F.W.'

A botanical and universal microscope, it has three single lenses, which may be used separately or, as shown here, in combination. Its accessories include a glass stage plate, live box and stage forceps.

Botanical microscopes came into vogue from the mid 18th century, as all branches of natural history became fashionable, a fashion which lasted well into the 19th century. W. & S. Jones, who took over the publication of George Adams' textbooks, offered 'Botanical Microscopes for Flowers 8/- to £1 11s 6d' from 1798 until after 1850 in their catalogues bound in the back of the volume.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-262-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1979.35
• Date: 1800 - 1850
  Between 1800 and 1850
  
• Material: Brass
  Microscope, simple
  
• Dimensions: 50 mm x 40 mm x 110 mm
  
• What: Microscope, simple
  
• Subject:
• Who: Arthur Frank Microscope Collection
  
• Where: England
  
• Event:
• Description: Pocket botanical and universal microscope in brass, with 3 single lens objectives, glass stage plate, live box, stage forceps and case, unsigned but thought to have been made in England, 1800 - 1850
  
• References:
  • Adams, George, Essays on the Microscope. 2nd edition, London: 1798, p 124: 'Pocket Botanical & Universal Microscope' 
  • Nuttall, R. H., Microscopes from the Frank collection, 1800-1860. Jersey Channel Islands: A. Frank, 1979, p 27 
  • Nuttall, R.H. (1979): "Microscopes from the Frank Collection 1800 - 1860" 
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