Compass microscope, England, 1731-1770

Made:
1731-1770 in England
Compass microscope in fishskin case, English, mid 18th century

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Compass microscope in fishskin case, English, mid 18th century
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Compass microscope in fishskin case, English, mid 18th century

Compass microscopes are hand-held microscopes. They were considered easy to use although accurately focussing on objects was difficult. They are known as compass microscopes as the lens holder and the object holder are both pivoted and the distance between the two can be adjusted. The fish skin-covered wooden box contains additional lenses and mounts.

Details

Category:
Microscopy (Wellcome)
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A67391
Materials:
ivory, glass, brass, velvet, softwood, fish skin, plush, metal (unknown) and brown
Measurements:
overall (case closed): 45 mm x 135 mm x 90 mm, 0.28 kg
overall (case open): 425 mm x 135 mm x 187 mm, 0.28 kg
type:
compass microscope
credit:
Nachet and Son