Description

This is a so-called Gould-style compound microscope with a rectangular support pillar. The support is hinged at the bottom and mounted in the inner bottom of a rectangular wooden case. The focus is achieved by sliding the stage up and down the main support pillar. The illuminating mirror is inserted into the pillar below the stage with a pin. The stage has two rectangular brass plates. The top plate has two locating pins that fit into matching sleeves attached to the bottom plate, creating a mechanism for supporting sample slides. On the top of the main stage plate, there is a circular depression that matches the fitting livebox. The microscope optics consist of a Huygenian eyepiece and three objective lenses, that can be used separately or stacked to achieve a range of magnifications. The case is made of mahogany with a hinged and keyed top piece. Inside, the case is lined with velvet. Imaging is good and clear for the period. This is apparently a European variant of the British design.