Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 561 (A. Williams & Co.; “Wonder” microscope; early 20th century)

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Microscope 561 is engraved with “A. WILLIAMS & CO.” and “WONDER” and should be dated to the early 20th century. This instrument should be a version of A. William’s “Wonder” microscope, which was featured for example in the 1912 volume of the Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society, in which was described as “This instrument, though extremely cheap, is constructed on the lines of high-class models”, and in Charles Hall’s book “How to use the microscope, a guide for the novice” published in the same year. No additional information was found about the company A. Williams & Co other than the associated address “Wood Green, London”, as described in Charles Hall’s book.

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Figure 1. A. William’s “Wonder” microscope as featured in the 1912 volume of the Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society, and in Charles Hall’s book “How to use the microscope, a guide for the novice” published in the same year.