Ed. Messter, Berlin, N.W. #31416

Universal Bacteria Microscope, c. 1900

Microscope designed to be completely parfocal

Ed. Messter Universal Bacteria Microscope
Ed. Messter Universal Bacteria Microscope
Ed. Messter Universal Bacteria Microscope
Ed. Messter Universal Bacteria Microscope
Ed. Messter Universal Bacteria Microscope
Ed. Messter Universal Bacteria Microscope

 

plaque

 

The microscope is signed on a plaque attached to the tube Ed. Messter, Berlin, N.W.. It has a serial number, 31416, engraved on the back under the stage. It is an example of Messter's Universal Bacteria Microscope. The construction of this microscope is unique. There is no actual coarse focusing adjustment, only a fine adjustment by micrometer screw that raises or lowers the objective turret. There is a spring loaded lever mechanism actuated at the back of the limb that is used to slightly raise the objective turret for changing objectives. The turret snaps back to the previous position when the lever is released. The fine adjustment and the lever mechanism work on the same spring located within the tube. This microscope and its lenses were constructed to be parfocal when changing the objectives and eyepieces for each of the nine possible combinations. The microscope measures about 15-inches tall in the upright position as shown in the photos. It is constructed in brass with a painted cast iron base.

The following was extracted from Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society, 1898

Ed. Messter, Berlin. Universal Bacteria Microscope

Messter’s Bacteria Microscope. — The makers of this instrument claim that its specially advantageous construction almost entirely removes troubles arising from loss of time (1) in changes of eye-pieces and objectives; (2) in tedious coarse adjustment for various powers; (3) in laborious picking out of very minute objects with strong magnifications. Investigations can therefore be made, even by a tyro, more quickly, accurately, and conveniently, with this instrument than with any other. It is specially recommended to physicians for diagnosis of urine and sputum. The figure (101) shows clearly the arrangement of the eyepieces and objectives with their revolvers; and the fitting of these is so perfect that the image is always adjusted for every nine magnifications. [Thus apparently no coarse adjustment is required.— ED] An improved central micromillimetre-screw secures the fine adjustment; and a lever under the micrometer-screw effects a raising or lowering of the tube without change of adjustment, which is very convenient in the application of thick-ringed slides, or in the rotation of the objective revolver.


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An article about the Messter's Universal Bacteria Microscope is online

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