The following was
extracted from the 1872 price list:
Popular microscope:
somewhat more than 10 in. high; base of iron
lackered, with uprights to receive axis on which
the body inclines; tube of brass, with extension
draw-tube, milled head, fine adjusting focus :
stage of brass, with springs to hold object, and
with diaphragm plate beneath : stage forceps
attached to stage ; mirror mounted with universal
motion on jointed bar. With following accessories:
one eye-piece; one achromatic objective, separable;
magnifying powers, 50, 75, 150 and 200 diam. ; in
neat upright walnut case, with handle. Price ...$25.00
Typical of the
microscopes manufactured by T. H. MaAllister is
that the the coarse focus mechanism utilizes
a fusee chain instead of the much more common
rack and pinon method.
The McAllisters were
a family of opticians that were active in the
scientific instrument trade for over a century
starting in the late 18th century with John
McAllister Sr. (1755-1830). They had businesses in
Philadelphia and later in New York. Thomas. H.
McAllister (1824-1898) moved to New York around
1865. Unlike the Philadelphia based part of the
family, he actually manufactured and sold his own
microscopes as well as those by other
manufacturers. See: the
McAllister Family Business
Timeline.