|
|
Microscope Museum Collection of antique microscopes and other
scientific instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
Microscope electrical illuminator
from W. Watson & Sons (before 1950s)
W. Watson & Sons were
opticians and camera makers trading from London and Edinburgh. The company
was originally founded in 1837 by William Watson at 71 City Road, and the
business continued at this address until 1861, when it moved to 313 High
Holborn. In 1867, the name was changed to W. Watson & Son. In 1882, the
name was changed to W. Watson & Sons. In 1900 the company acquired the
John Browning and Co., and in 1908 the firm became W. Watson & Sons Ltd.
In 1929 they published an advert in the British Industries Fair Catalogue as
an Optical, Scientific and Photographic Exhibit, highlighting the manufacture
of microscopes for medical, industrial, and educational purposes. Into the
1950s, the company changed their address to 25 West End Lane, Barnet,
Hertfordshire, where they stayed until the late 1960s. In 1957 the company
was acquired by Pye of Cambridge and ten years later, taken over by Philips. By 1970, the manufacture of microscopes was over.
Figure 1.
Microscope electrical illuminator and power supply unit from Watson as
featured in a 1968 Townson & Mercer’s catalogue. |
