Early 18th century ebony and bone Spike-Stand
Stock Number: FG_24003
£400
This is a simple microscope made of rare ebony and bone materials. These microscopes were early forms of single microscopes that were used in the Netherlands and German lands during a period between the late 17th and mid-18th centuries. They consisted of a single, biconvex lens mounted on top of a stand that faced a spike on a movable rod or a brass sprung pin. The spike was used to hold a flower or insect for inspection, which is why they were called "flea glass", an English translation of the Latin name vitrum pulicarium. To focus the microscope, the spike was moved backward or toward the lens. A similar microscope can be seen in Johannes Zahn's (1702) book.
Circa
Ca. 1700
Country of manufacture
Other
Description
These are early Dutch forms of the spike-stand microscope lathe-turned of bone, horn, and wood. This early and relatively rare form of the Spike-Stand microscope is more or less similar to Zahn’s depiction; the latter was probably turned of wood.
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh is a mythological hero from the ancient cultures of West Asia, who embarked on a journey in search of youth and eternal life. Fleaglass Gilgamesh is located in Israel. As an Emeritus Professor of archaeology, I have spent over four decades researching the material culture of the distant past, utilizing the microscope as a powerful research tool. For the past thirty years, I have collected microscopes from the first 300 years of this remarkable instrument's history and have studied the cultural context of their use.
What started as a passion has turned into an obsession, and I now cultivate a nearly unique collection of historical microscopes from West Asia. From time to time, I offer surplus or particularly interesting items from my collection for sale. I am happy to provide free advice to any interested collector. If you would like to receive photos, information, and bibliographic references, or if you wish to discuss the details of the items I have for sale, please feel free to reach out.
