With the brass tube in place, this is a compound monocular with circular stage and sub-stage mirror. With the tube removed, it is a simple microscope. The form was introduced by George Adams, Jr., of London, in the late-eighteenth century, and remained popular for several decades. Examples by various English makers have been recorded. This example has a wooden box, and several ivory sliders. The “R. Huntley / 52 High Holborn / LONDON” inscription is that of Robert Huntley, an instrument maker in business from 1811-1840. A paper label inside the box reads “WILLIAM HARRIS & CO. / MANUFACTURERS . . . / cleaned & adjusted, Jan. 9, 1838.”
This microscope belonged to Augustus Alvey Adee (1802-1844), a Yale graduate who served a surgeon in the U.S. Navy.
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