Culpeper type microscope with rack focusing c. 1800
Unsigned, but possibly sold by P. & J. Dollond, London
This Culpeper type
microscope is unsigned and dates from the very early
19th century. Microscopes such as this are derived from
the instruments of the earlier century made by Edmund
Culpeper (1670-1737) and his contemporaries.
This microscope is stored
in a pyramidal shaped case and is mounted on a mahogany
base with a drawer 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 achieved by rack and
pinion moving the body tube. Among the surviving
accessories are six numbered objectives, a stage
forceps, a hand forceps, a sub-stage light cone, a
Bonnani spring stage, a dissecting knife, a small ivory
box, a glass phial to hold live specimens, a brass
slide for wet preparations, and a collection of ivory
sliders with their own storage container.
Another Culpeper type microscope signed Dollond, London is
also in this collection. It differs from the example on this page
by using push tube focusing.