Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 554 (unassigned maker; botanical microscope; first half of the 19th century)

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Microscope 554 is a simple botanical microscope and was probably made in England in the first half of the 19th 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. Focusing is made by sliding the stage holder over the stem. 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).

 

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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).