Naturalist's Microscope
Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 1:42 am
Hello all,
I've had this microscope in my collection for many years. It's commonly called a Naturalist's Microscope, a Botanical Microscope, or a Flea Glass. It is a small single, or double lens instrument where the lens is mounted in a brass ring which is, in turn, mounted on a hinged arm attached to an ivory handle. There is a focusing bar for the specimen clamp, or needle, that allows the specimen holder to be moved into a position of focus where it is secured by a knurled nut. The microscope folds upon itself for storage in a small fiberboard case covered with embossed paper. The dimensions of the case are about 3" X 1.25" X .75"
Although unsigned it may possibly be attributed to William & Samuel Jones and as such was introduced in the late 1700's. The style was popular through the nineteenth century and is, in most likely much smaller numbers, still in use in the twenty-first century.
This composite gives an idea of how the scope fits into the case. The photo of the dried sedum flower was taken through the lens of the microscope with my iPhone5.
lorez
I've had this microscope in my collection for many years. It's commonly called a Naturalist's Microscope, a Botanical Microscope, or a Flea Glass. It is a small single, or double lens instrument where the lens is mounted in a brass ring which is, in turn, mounted on a hinged arm attached to an ivory handle. There is a focusing bar for the specimen clamp, or needle, that allows the specimen holder to be moved into a position of focus where it is secured by a knurled nut. The microscope folds upon itself for storage in a small fiberboard case covered with embossed paper. The dimensions of the case are about 3" X 1.25" X .75"
Although unsigned it may possibly be attributed to William & Samuel Jones and as such was introduced in the late 1700's. The style was popular through the nineteenth century and is, in most likely much smaller numbers, still in use in the twenty-first century.
This composite gives an idea of how the scope fits into the case. The photo of the dried sedum flower was taken through the lens of the microscope with my iPhone5.
lorez