Microscope Set

Microscope Set

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description
Six graduated hand-held microscopes housed in a rectangular leather-bound case with two brass hook-and-eye closures. The interior of the case is lined with a faded rust-colored chamois cloth. Each microscope has a brass barrel case with rounded ebony handle. A small pin inside the barrel is used to secure specimens. The uniformity of the workmanship of the microscopes, the simplicity of the turned wooden handles, and the rust-colored, chamois-lined, interior of the case indicates this set was made in the first half of the 19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
magnifying glasses
microscope, hand-held, set
date made
ca 1800
Physical Description
brass (overall material)
ebony (overall material)
glass (overall material)
wood (overall material)
leather (overall material)
chomis (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 5.3 cm x 17.3 cm x 16.7 cm; 2 3/32 in x 6 13/16 in x 6 9/16 in
overall, case: 2 1/8 in x 6 3/4 in x 6 5/8 in; 5.3975 cm x 17.145 cm x 16.8275 cm
ID Number
1991.0664.0907
accession number
1991.0664
catalog number
M-06303
collector/donor number
SAP 995
catalog number
1991.0664.0907
Credit Line
Gift of American Pharmaceutical Association and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
subject
Pharmacy
Microscopy
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Health & Medicine
European Apothecary
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.