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Microscope Museum Collection of antique microscopes and other
scientific instruments |
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Microscope
608 (JH
Steward; inclining microscope; late 19th century)
James
Henry Steward (1818-1896) started his business in London in 1852. Although
his business started as retail business selling watches and firearms-related
optical equipment, the business grew to include telescopes, binoculars,
compasses, barometers, and microscopes, some of which he claimed to have
made. Over the years, Steward sold many instruments with their name on the
instruments, but many of these were made by others for Steward. The firm
traded from 406 Strand, London (1865 – c. 1915), 66 Strand (1868 – 1888), 457
Strand (1885 – c. 1920), with various other branches. As each of James’ sons
reached adulthood, they were given a subsidiary shop elsewhere in London to
manage, but the establishment at 406 Strand remained as the centre of the
business. After James’ death, the company continued (only being inherited
through the male line) until 1975. Microscope 608 is an inclining microscope,
in which the eyepiece contains the inscription “J H Steward, 63, ST.
PAULS CH YD” and should be dated to the late 19th century. The
London address in this inscription was used by JH Steward from 1867 to about
1930. This microscope was featured in JH Steward catalogues from 1871 and
1903 (Figure 1), but the instrument is probably of French origin.
Figure 1. Simple inclinable microscope as engraved in the catalogues
of JH Steward (1871 and 1903) |
