T. H. McAllister, N.Y.

The Student Model Microscope, c. 1876

T. H. McAllister, N.Y. The Student's Microscope, c. 1876
T. H. McAllister, N.Y. The Student's Microscope, c. 1876
T. H. McAllister, N.Y. The Student's Microscope, c. 1876

 

 

 

T. H. McAllister, N.Y. The Student's Microscope

The following was extracted from The Illustrated Price List of Microscopes, Microscopic Apparatus, Lenses, &c., for Sale by T. H. McAllister, 1876.

T.H. McAllister's

Student's Microscope

A neat serviceable instrument, well made, and in every way adapted for a good "working" Microscope. Particularly recommended to Physicians and Students of Medicine, as embracing a range of magnifying powers, ample to meet the ordinary demands of medical men. The powers of 50 and 75 diameters answer admirably for the examination of Sections of Bone and Teeth, Tissues of the Body, &c., while the powers of 250 and 400 diameters will be of great value for determining the characteristics of Blood Globules, Pus, Urinary Salts, &c, Many interesting minutiae of insects and vegetable life can be readily observed by the lower powers, and with the highest power, 400 diameters, delicate striae of diatoms 30,000 lines to the inch call be resolved.

The STUDENT'S MICROSCOPE stands twelve inches high when inclined as shown in the engraving. The Base is Bronzed, with uprights to receive the axis upon which the body inclines. The Body is of Brass with Extension Draw Tube. The coarse adjustment for focus is by a delicate watch chain, controlled by large milled head on each side of the tube. This adjustment is extremely sensitive and exact, even with the highest power of the instrument. There is also a fine micrometer adjustment attached to the stage. The Stage is of Brass with Brass Springs to hold the Object, and with Diaphragm plate beneath; Stage Forceps attach to the Stage, which are very convenient for holding an insect, flower, etc., while being examined by a low magnifying power. The Concave and Plain Mirrors are mounted with universal motion on jointed bar. The mounting for the Objectives is made with the "London Society Screw."


magnification chart-1
magnification chart-2





fusee chain focusing



Typical of the microscopes manufactured by T. H. McAllister is that the the coarse focus mechanism utilizes a fusee chain instead of the much more common rack and pinon method used by most other manufactures. The fine adjustment knob is located under the stage and functions by tilting the upper stage plate.

 

Other microscopes made by T. H. McAllister include the Popular Model, the Physician's Model, and the top of the line Professional Model.

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 McAllister Family Business Timeline and The McAllister Family

Home-Antique Microscopes       Site Index

email: wissnera@verizon.net

Facebook