This microscope is signed on the outer tube Baker, London. It is an example
of the larger version of the Baker-Moginie traveling (or portable) microscope
made around 1874. The microscope is constructed of brass. It measures 13¼
inches in height in the vertical position as shown in the first image. There is
a draw-tube to extend the height. The main focusing is by sliding the inner
tube within the outer. There is a fine adjustment knob located at the top of the
inclination joint. It is equipped with a lacquered brass stage, a substage condenser,
and a double-sided mirror. When used for examining liquid preparations, it attaches
to a cruciform-shaped base that locks it in the upright position. For use when the
microscope is inclined, this base is removed, and the three legs are extended to serve
as the base for the microscope.
William Moginie (1828–1881) was an employee of the Baker firm when he designed this
portable microscope. He left the Baker firm to start on his own around 1868. Both
Baker and Moginie continued to manufacture this type of traveling microscope. The
original model was a smaller version than the larger version shown here.
The London makers James Swift and John Browning
also made Moginie styled portable microscopes. The microscope shown on this page formerly resided in the Frank Collection. It is
item number 88 in the catalog of that collection.
