Bausch & Lomb Universal Microscope · Atkins Library: Exhibits

Bausch & Lomb Universal Microscope

Item

Title

Bausch & Lomb Universal Microscope

Description

The universial microscope is made from brass and stands on a flat tripod foot. The limb is split into two by an inclination joint that allows the microscope to be angled for observation. The circular stage is missing its two stage clips which would hold the specimen in place. The monocular microscope has a substage aperture iris diaphragm which can be rotated to adjust the aperture. The arm of the mirror and condenser can be slotted into each other and are connected to a circular joint next to the stage which allows them both to be rotated. However, the microscope is missing its substage mirror and the two arms do not seem to slot into one another as they should. The coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism which is controlled by the large thumbscrew on the side of the body tube. Fine focus is controlled by the small thumbscrew located on top of the limb. The microscope is signed "PAT. OCT. 3, 1876, PAT. OCT. 13, 1885" on the side of the pillar and "Bausch & Lomb Optical Co." on the stage. The mahogany case has a brass carry handle and is secured by a lock and key; however, the key is not present with the instrument. The case has an interior draw that holds the slides and accessories. The interior also has compartments for the objectives and ocular lenses, with the top compartment lined with blue velvet.

The microscope comes with the following accessories: 2 brass lenses: engraved with 1/5 and 3/4, both signed "Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.", 2 brass eyepieces: 1 larger and 1 smaller, and 15 glass slides.

Condition:

Cosmetically: There are marks on the brass on the foot, stage, and body tube. The brass is in overall good condition.

Optically: The lenses are clear and functional.

Mechanically: The coarse focus is slightly loose and the instrument is missing its substage mirror.

Subject

Microscopes

Creator

Bausch & Lomb

Source

Dean Reynold's Microscope Collection Powerpoint, http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1348992

Publisher

UNC Charlotte

Date

c. 1876-1885

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

Microscope: 14 1/4" closed, 16 3/4" extended
Case: 14" x 8 1/2" x 8"

Language

English

Type

Three-dimensional object

Identifier

071008

Coverage

Rochester, New York, United States

Item sets

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