This instrument is based on the Jones Most Improved model. It is a smaller version of this design. The microscope is stored disassembled in a mahogany case. It is equipped with a complete set of accessories among which are four objectives, another objective with a Lieberkuhn reflector for use with opaque objects, a high power objective made for use without the compound tube, a live box, a brass wet slide, a stage forceps, a stage condenser on an articulated arm, a set of dissecting tools, a number if ivory sliders, an ivory talc box, and a glass stage insert. Typical of microscopes from this period, the internal optics consist of a double eye lens and a field lens in the middle of the tube.

The "Most Improved" model microscope has its origin in the "Universal Compound Microscope" introduced by George Adams Jr. in the late 18th century and described in his 1787 publication, Essays on the Microscope. By the end of the century, the copyright to Adams' books and designs were purchased by the firm W. & S. Jones of London. They began, in 1798, the production of a microscope with a similar design, which they called the "Jones Most Improved Microscope". A folding tripod base from which rises a pillar terminating in a compass joint for inclination characterizes this design. Attached to the other end of the joint is a bar that holds the tube, stage, mirror, and sometimes a simple lens to serve as a condenser. The focusing mechanism consists of a rack embedded in the bar and pinion attached to the stage; this arrangement moves the stage in and out of focus. The mirror can also be positioned on the bar by sliding it up and down. The optics in this model usually consist of a double eye-lens and a field lens located within the body of the tube; the objectives are non-achromatic. This design became very popular and was produced by many other English opticians during the first part of the 19th century.

The limb can be dismounted and in conjunction with the Lieberkuhn objective and stage forceps, the instrument can be configured as a hand-held compass microscope.