Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 635 (unassigned maker; educational microscope; late 19^th century)

Microscope 635 is a simple compound inclinable microscope that should be dated to the late 19^th century. The instrument is probably of French origin, but the maker is unknown. A similar instrument was featured in a catalogue of Benjamin Pike, in the USA, where it was named as achromatic educational microscope (Figure 1). In this catalogue from the late 19^th century, the description of this microscope reads as “This is a thoroughly well-made instrument of highly finished brass, and is furnished with two eyepieces, the lenses of which are accurately ground and centered, and which, in connection with the ¼ inch achromatic combination objective which accompanies it, form a microscope of great value for botanical, geological and other scientific observations. The instrument is about 12 inches in height, heavy, firm and substantial in all its parts, so that a higher power objective can be used with it when necessary. The coarse adjustment by means of rack and pinion is smooth and steady in its action, and the body of the instrument can be inclined for convenience in use. Attached to the body is a condensing Lens for use in the illumination of opaque objects, and its magnifying mirror can be moved in any direction. The achromatic objective which belongs to it can be taken apart, and either of its three Lenses used separately or together, thus varying its power from about 50 to 300 diameters. It is packed in a handsomely polished Walnut Case...”.

Figure 1. Achromatic educational microscope as featured in a catalogue of Benjamin Pike (c. 1890)