Transitional Compound Microscope · Atkins Library: Exhibits

Transitional Compound Microscope

Item

Title

Transitional Compound Microscope

Description

The microscope follows an early Victorian design which is similar to those built by Pritchard and Horne & Thornthwaite around 1840. The microscope has a pre-RMS (Royal Microscopical Society) thread and optics probably manufactured in France although the overall construction of the instrument is British. The microscope itself stands on a heavy lacquered brass lead filled base with a supporting pillar screwed into the center. At the top of the pillar is a compass type joint on which the limb pivots. An unusual feature of the construction of this particular instrument is the way that the focusing pinion is held tight between two separate parts of the limb. A gimbaled mirror with a white plaster reflective back is located at the end of the limb; above this is the simple stage with filigree patterning and a slide clip. The body tube is supported on a stepped piece of brass at the top of the triangular bar. The French mahogany cabinet with campaign type recessed handle on the top with lock and key missing. Also has fitted drawer for accessories.

The microscope comes with the following accessories: 1 objective (unsigned) with canister, 1 live box and 4 slides.

Condition:

Cosmetically: The instrument has signs of wear on the lacquer. Much of the lacquer on the stage has been scratched off. Stains visible on the tube and base.

Optically: The lenses are functional and clear.

Mechanically: Focusing thumbscrew is loose but microscope is functional.

Subject

Microscope

Creator

Unsigned

Date

Circa 1840

Source

Dean Reynold's Microscope Collection Powerpoint

Publisher

UNC Charlotte

Contributor

Laura Burgess

Rights

Texts and images from this collection may not be used for any commercial purpose without prior permission from the Graduate Office, UNC Charlotte.

Format

Microscope: 12.5" closed. 14" extended.
Microscope base: 4" diameter
Case: 8.5"x 6"x 6"

Type

Three-dimensional object

Identifier

090107

Relation

N/A

Language

N/A

Coverage

England

Item sets

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