Stokes & Watson, 6, Market Street, Manchester

Handheld demonstration microscope, c. 1890



Stokes and Watson demonstration microscope Stokes and Watson demonstration microscope Stokes and Watson demonstration microscope Stokes and Watson demonstration microscope

This handheld compound microscope is signed in script on the lower section of the tube Stokes & Watson, 6, Market Street, Manchester. A microscope, like the one shown here, is often referred to as a “demonstration microscope”. In use, the microscope is pointed toward a light source. During a lecture, such a microscope can be passed around from student to student for observation of the specimen under discussion.


screw focusing

The microscope measures 6½-inches long when in the closed position. At the lower end of the tube, the specimen slide is inserted into a spring-loaded holder. Focusing is achieved by a screw mechanism that moves the upper section of the tube that holds the objective to and from the section that holds the specimen slide. The microscope, along with a some slides, is stored in a plush lined leather covered case measuring 7x2½x2 inches. The top of the case is imprinted with the maker's name and address.



The firm Stokes & Watson was in business from the 1860's to the early 20th century. They were typical opticians of the period. They made and/or sold a variety of instruments including microscopes, microscope slides, lantern slides, camera lenses, gramophone cylinder recordings, binoculars, barometers, eyeglasses, etc.

 

Label found on a microscope slide.
Slide label

 

Stokes and Watson demonstration microscope
Stokes and Watson signature

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