This microscope is very similar to the original pocket microscope designed by Charles Gould and sold by the firm established by William Cary with the exception that the stem of this microscope is fixed permanently to the lower side edge of the case; it is connected by a hinged joint that allows the microscope to fold up and down instead of being screwed onto the front edge of the case as in the more common design. The case measures 3.75 x 3 x 1.25 inches and has compartments for the microscope and its accessories. When assembled in the upright position as shown in the photos, the microscope is 6.5-inches in height measuring from the table top. Focusing is achieved by rack and pinion movement of the stage. The mirror is single-sided and concave.

The microscope is supplied with three numbered objectives (one missing its lens), which can be used individually or in combinations to vary the magnification. In addition, there is a live-box, a dissecting needle, and a hand forceps (with spoon end). I suspect that the instrument would have had a few other accessories now missing among which might have been a stage forceps, a dissecting knife, and several ivory specimen slides. Given the close similarity between this microscope and the original Gould microscope, it is reasonable to speculate that this microscope is also a product of the Cary factory. It is not uncommon to find these pocket microscopes by Cary without a signature. This microscope is rare; it is the only example of such a small folding Cary-Gould pocket microscope that I have seen.