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MICROSCOPE-ANTIQUES.COM     © 2013-16.



 

'COMPASS' MICROSCOPE:

c. 2nd half of 19th C.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Likely France

DESCRIPTION HISTORY

Compass Microscope1

Compass Microscope1

Compass Microscope1

Compass Microscope1

DESCRIPTION

This is a handheld microscope sometimes called a 'compass microscope'. It has an opening for a single lens, and no case. It measures about 138mm in length. The Lieberkuhn reflector measures about 21mm in diameter. Some similar known instruments have walnut cases. This instrument is quite similar to some in the RMS collection and also in the Whipple Museum. The specimen holder has a forceps on one end and a small handle on the other which when removed reveals a point. There are two joints, one allows the specimen to be moved closer or further from the lens for focusing, the other allows lateral motion. The specimen holder can be moved through its brass support so that the object being studied can be centered separately from the focusing movement. This is important as the arc of rotation during focusing will move the object out of the field of view if the movement is significant. Unfortunately, this instrument has lost it lens.


HISTORY OF THE COMPASS MICROSCOPE

Please see the English compass microscope page for history of this type of microscope.

The author is grateful to Dr. Joseph Zeligs, for helpful suggestions.