Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 341 (unassigned maker; simple compound microscope; late 19^th - early 20^th century)

Microscope 341 should have a French origin and should be dated to the late 19^th century. Identical simple microscopes were manufactured, or at least retailed, by the Parisian firm Radiguet (Figure 1). In 1805, an optician Mr. Chevalier, settles in Paris. His house is taken over by Marie-Honoré Radiguet (1791-1867) and specialises in the manufacture and sale of optical devices. In the years 1850-60 his son Honoré-Antoine Radiguet (1824-1887) succeeded him by adding the manufacture of barometers, thermometers, and other measuring devices. In 1880, Arthur-Honoré Radiguet (1850-1905) extended his activity to scientific popularisation devices, working also with steam, electricity, and photography. With his success, in 1899, Arthur Radiguet realizes his dream to merge with Maison Molteni, one of the most important manufacturers of scientific equipment of the 19th century and well known for its projection equipment, adopting the name Radiguet & Massiot. At some point the firm specialises in the medical field, playing a pioneering role in radiology. In 1960, the firm became a 50% subsidiary of Philips and then a 100% subsidiary of Philips France to become Massiot-Phillips and, later, Philips Systemes Medicaux.

Note: this instrument was kindly donated by Dave Levell (Pembrokeshire, Wales) in May 2023.

Figure 1. Microscope signed by Radiguet as featured in http://www.lecompendium.com/dossier_optique_41_microscope_droit_radiguet/microscope_radiguet.htm