Description

A FINE ‘UNIVERSAL COMPOUND MICROSCOPE’ SIGNED Martin & Son c.1776

Signed on the body tube: “Martin & Son London”.

Dimension: 15” (38cm) height, case 11”x6 ½”x3” (28x18x8cm)

Fully complete with all the accessories, bone slides in cardboard case, others larger in wood, this remarkable microscope represent the late evolution of the so called Martin’s models of 1760’s for many points, i.e. (i) the possibility to incline the whole microscope towards the observer, (ii) the two extensible tubes inside the pillar for stage height adjustment, (iii) the rack-and-pinion to serve as a fine adjustment and other optical features such as the revolving disc with lenses.

As in photos, this microscope is very complete in accessories, perfect working condition a remarkable conservation. The fishskin case is in perfect condition.

This model, as said, is the last evolution of Benjamin Martin’s production before his bankruptcy around 1780 and auction of his remaining goods in 1782 after his death. In that time he signed the microscopes together with his son. I am attaching a photo of the original pamphlet of 1776 where this type of microscope is fully described and figured (courtesy Joseph Zeligs).

A RARE MICROSCOPE MADE BY HIS INVENTOR

An extensive description of this model is in Clay & Court (1932) p.192-3; one signed ‘Meredith’ in Whipple Cambridge; one in RMS coll. (in G.l’E.Turner, p.58 fig.29); Billings coll. p.15 fig. 28; Millburn ‘Retailer of the Sciences’ p.49 fig. 31, and another extensive description is in A.N. Disney ed. 1928 Origin and development of the microscope as illustrated by catalogues …in coll. RMS, n.58, pl.17.

FEEL FREE TO ASK FOR DETAIL OR FURTHER PHOTOS