Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 334 (unassigned maker; botanical microscope; first half of the 19^th century)

Microscope 334 is a simple botanical microscope and was probably made in England in the first half of the 19^th century. The maker is unknown. This microscope consists of a tubular stem, which screws firmly into the lid of the case wherein the instrument is packed when not in use. No mirror is attached and focusing is made by sliding the stage holder over the stem. Later models were equipped with mirrors. These instruments are adapted for the examination of botanical specimens, small insects or their parts, for the preparation of samples or for dissection (Figure 1). The original stage of microscope 334 is missing.

Figure 1. Simple botanical microscopes, without a mirror and with a mirror, as featured in different sources: (A) Bracegirdle (2005) A catalogue of the microscopy collections at the science museum, London, Little Imp Publications; (B) Brown (1986) The Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Catalogue 7 – Microscopes; (C) B. Pike’s catalogue (1848, 1856); (D) J. Queen’s catalogue (1872).