Microscope

Add to album

This brass pocket microscope was made between 1800 and 1850, probably in England. It is unsigned.

The microscope has three attached single lenses, which may be used separately or in combination.

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. This particular example has been identified from a description in George Adams' 1798 work on the microscope, and was produced in large numbers by his trade successors, W. & S. Jones of London.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-190-004-724-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1979.34
• Date: 1800 - 1850
  Between 1800 and 1850
  
• Material: Brass
  Microscope, simple
  
• Dimensions: 90 mm x 50 mm x 105 mm
  
• What: Microscope, simple
  
• Subject:
• Who: Arthur Frank Microscope Collection
  
• Where: England
  
• Event:
• Description: Pocket botanical and universal microscope in brass, with 3 attached single lenses, 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" 
• Translations:
• Related Records: