The following catalog description states that since the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School made suggestions for the design of this model, it was given the title the “Harvard Microscope”.

"The leading idea in the construction of this instrument was to get the nearest approach to the simple pattern, used so extensively in Europe, and combining with it those modern improvements, without which any microscope may be considered incomplete. Members of the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School have been interested in its construction and have made a number of valuable suggestions, which have been embodied in it. In recognition of the favor thus shown, we have given it its name. Considering the work, the various adjustments and price, it will be found to bear favorably a comparison with foreign instruments of similar construction. The stand is made entirely of brass and so proportioned that it will give the most effectiveness to the various parts. Although constructed so as to allow its convenient use in an upright position on an ordinary table, it still gives sufficient range of adjustment for all ordinary work. The base is of the horse-shoe form with a projection at the back to give it steadiness when the body is inclined. Coarse adjustment is by a sliding tube in a sleeve, provided with a spring which reduces the friction and retains a smooth movement; fine adjustment is by micrometer screw with milled head of more than ordinary size, acting on our patent movement. The main tube as a draw-tube with a mark indicating standard length. The stage is large and stiff and provided with spring clips; our iris diaphragm is attached to its lower surface in such a manner as to allow its centering and entire removal for oblique light. The mirrors are plane and concave and swing with the mirror-bar to any obliquity below the stage and above it for the illumination for opaque objects.  No.515A is with solid pillar and arm while B is arranged with joint for inclination of the body."