Andrew Ross Microscope · Atkins Library: Exhibits

Andrew Ross Microscope

Item

Title

Andrew Ross Microscope

Description

The brass microscope stands on a splayed Y-shape base and engraved with "Andw. Ross, London, No.190." This instrument represents the classic design created by Ross - the bar-limb and splayed Y-shape base - which was copied by many other manufacturers. The monocular instrument's limb is triangular in the cross section. The dual side pillars end in trunnion joints that allow for inclination. The square mechanical stage has an uppermost section which rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise. The stage can be adjusted along the X and Y axis with a rack and pinion mechanism. The stage also has a bullseye condenser and stage forceps attachments which are attached by a pin. The stage has a substage iris diaphragm which can be rotated. The receiver for the threaded objective is spring loaded, which in effect acts as a "safety-stage." Coarse focusing is achieved by a rack and pinion mechanism which is controlled by thumbscrew located at the side of the stage. Fine focusing works by a lever mechanism mounted within the bar proper and adjusted by a knurled thumbscrew mounted on the bar. The instrument has a substage plano-concave substage which is mounted in a gimbal. The microscope also comes with a stand-alone bullseye condenser with a circular stand. The mahogany glass-fronted case contains three internal accessory drawers.

The microscope comes with the following accessories: 1 top hat eyepiece, 1 Non-RMS threaded objective signed "A. Ross, London", stage forceps, Stage bullseyes, and a free-standing bullseye condenser.

Condition:

Cosmetically: There has significant crazing (without cracking) on both sides of the substage plano-concave mirror and is missing most of the lacquer. A plinth has been custom fitted as a replacement.
Optically: The lenses are clear and functional.
Mechanically: The coarse adjustment focusing rack and pinion mechanism are intact with all teeth present; however, it does move somewhat loosely but does not spontaneously drift. The mechanical stage is also intact, moving well if a little loosely, but again without drift.

Subject

Microscopes

Creator

Andrew Ross

Source

Dean Reynold's Microscope Collection Powerpoint

Publisher

UNC Charlotte

Date

c. 1841-1847

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: 18" closed, 20 3/4" extended.
Case: 19" x 11" x 11 1/2",
Bullseye condenser: 13 1/2" tall, diameter of base: 4"

Language

N/A

Type

Three-dimensional object

Identifier

090928

Coverage

London, England

Item sets

Tags

Bullseye Condenser