Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 614 (Wood Brothers; inclinable microscope; c.1895)

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The Wood Brothers were lantern and accessories dealers. They traded from 71 and 73 Lord Street, Liverpool, until 1899, when the firm was taken over by Archer & Sons. Microscope 614 is an inclinable microscope that should be dated to c. 1895. The original wooden box of the instrument contains the inscription “WOOD BROS, 71 & 73 LORD STREET, LIVERPOOL”, although this is barely visible. The firm was probably just a retailer for these microscopes, and not the original manufacturer. These types of microscopes were also sold by different companies at that time, including in England and USA, but usually containing a circular iron base instead (Figure 1).

 

 

Figure 1. Simple inclinable microscope as engraved in the catalogues of JH Steward (1871 and 1903; left) and J Queen (1870 and 1872; right)