Smith & Beck Student Microscope · Atkins Library: Exhibits

Smith & Beck Student Microscope

Item

Title

Smith & Beck Student Microscope

Description

The compound microscope is made from brass and stands on a flat tripod foot, which is described by Richard Beck's book, Achromatic Microscopes, as a "Second Class or Number 3 Stand." At the top of the limb is a inclination joint that allows the microscope to be angled for observation. The square mechanical stage has a slide holder which secures the specimen in place and can be moved by a thumbscrew at the side of the stage. The monocular microscope has a substage condenser and aperture iris diaphragm which is connected to the bottom of the stage. The substage mirror is attached via a gimbal and pin which allows it to be rotated. The coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism and is controlled by the large thumbscrew on the side of the body-tube. Fine focus is controlled by the small thumbscrew located behind the body-tube and stage. The microscope is signed Smith & Beck. 6, Coleman St. London on the front of the body-tube. The original mahogany case is designed along a coffin-style and has compartments to hold the microscope and accessories. The compartments are lined with blue velvet and there is a large compartment to hold the dissembled microscope. In the interior of the lid is the writing, S. Watson. 7 Henrietta St... The case is secured by a lock and key, however, a key is not present with the microscope.

The microscope comes with the following microscope: 1 specimen clip, 1 live box, 1 magnifier, 3 objectives with brass canisters marked: "1/5 Smith & Beck, 6 Coleman St. London", "2/3 Smith & Beck, 6 Coleman St. London", and "1/8, Smith, Beck & Beck. 31 Cornhill London" and 1 inch canister which holds some small parts.

Condition

Cosmetically: The brass has a lot of tarnish on the base from age.

Optically: The lenses are clear.

Mechanically: The different gears are functional, the mirror can be rotated and the body-tube can be raised and lowered easily.

Subject

Microscopes

Creator

Smith & Beck

Source

Dean Reynold's Microscope Collection Powerpoint https://asiuk.net/mkrbec/Beckmicroscopes.htm

Publisher

UNC Charlotte

Date

c. 1850s

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.

Relation

N/A

Format

<p>Microscope: 15 1/2" closed, 19 3/4" extended<br />
Case: 16 3/4" x 8 1/2" x 6 1/4"</p>

Language

English

Type

Three-dimensional object

Identifier

090401

Coverage

69 Mortimer Street, London, England

Item sets

Tags