Microscope

Description:

Simple aquatic microscope that fits into and stands on a wooden case. It has a large stage, sub-stage mirror, and cylindrical stand, and is so designed that the observer can keep an eye on aquatic creatures as they move about. The form was introduced in the 1740s by the English optician, John Cuff, at the behest of a Swiss naturalist named Abraham Trembley. In 1752, Cuff modified the microscope for the naturalist, John Ellis. That instrument, known as “Ellis’s aquatic microscope” and made by others, remained popular for years.

Ref: Savile Bradbury, The Evolution of the Microscope (Oxford, 1967), pp. 97-98.

Location: Currently not on view

Subject: Science & Scientific Instruments

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Medicine, Microscopes, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: The Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MG.302606.066Accession Number: 302606Catalog Number: 302606.066

Object Name: casemicroscopeOther Terms: case; Microscopy

Physical Description: wood (case material)brass (case material)velvet (case material)brass (microscope material)ivory (microscope material)glass (microscope material)metal (microscope material)Measurements: average spatial: 4.5 cm x 13.7 cm x 8.9 cm; 1 3/4 in x 5 3/8 in x 3 1/2 inmicroscope: 4 7/8 in x 1 3/8 in x 2 1/4 in; 12.3825 cm x 3.4925 cm x 5.715 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-ab3b-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1122326

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