The microscope is signed on the stage : Adams, London. It was sold by George Adams, Jr or his younger brother Dudley Adams. This type of microscope is derived from the earlier instruments made by Edmund Culpeper (1670-1737) and his contemporaries.

This microscope is stored in a pyramidal shaped case with lock and key and is mounted on a round brass base that supports three scrolled legs that in turn support the stage. The mirror is attached on a boss in the base. The circular stage has a central aperture for illumination by transmitted light. Three additional scrolled supports rise from the stage to carry the main tube. Focusing is by manually moving the inner tube up and down. Among the surviving accessories stored in a lower drawer of the case are three objectives, a hand forceps, a sub-stage light cone, a Bonnani spring stage, a fish plate, and collection of five ivory sliders each containing multiple specimens. The case has its lock and key.