Items

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  Simple "West Patent London" Microscope

  Many simple microscopes were made around the 19th century to the style of the "Society of Arts" Prize Pattern. Many used this design to create affordable microscopes, therefore very few were signed by the creator and the design differed depending on the manufacturer. The "Cary-Gould" style, simple microscope is made from lacquered brass and is case-mounted onto a fitted mahogany case. The pillar screws into the top of the lid which is permanently attached to the circular stage and arm. The objective lens can be used separately — to work as a simple microscope — or used together to function as a compound microscope. The sub-stage mirror is attached via a pin into the lower part of the pillar. The dissecting pin is attached via a pin to the stage. The mahogany fitted case is secured by two brass hooks on either side of the case. The interior of the case is lined with blue velvet and is organized into compartments to fit the disassembled microscope.
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  Botanical "School" Microscope

  The botanical entomological microscope consists of a brass tubular pillar stand that screws into the lid of the wooden case. At the top of the pillar is a fixed arm that holds the three stacking objectives that can be used together or individually. The round black stage with slide clips elevates up and down the pillar manually simply by lifting it up and down the pillar as desired. The gimbaled sub-stage mirror is attached to the lower pillar. The design was often called a "School Microscope" because it could be used for educational purposes such as particular examination of botanical specimens, small insects or insect parts, water fleas and other objects that could be readily collected and examined. This instrument is an English import and follows the design of the Society of Arts School Microscope of the 1855 time period. The design is similar to the earlier model of the Ellis Aquatic microscopes. It was also considered an inexpensive, simple microscope and became a popular model. The wooden case is secured by two swinging brass hooks.