Early 18th century ebony and bone Spike-Stand “flea glass” simple microscope
Stock Number: FG_24003
£1100
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.
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Dealer information
Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh was the mythological hero of the cultures of ancient West Asia, who set out on a journey in which he sought youth and eternal life.
Fleaglass Gilgamesh is located in Israel. As an archaeologist researching the material culture of the distant past and using the microscope as a powerful research tool, I have collected microscopes for over two decades from this fantastic tool's first 300 years of existence and researched the cultural context of their use. Passion has become an obsession, and I cultivate the complete and almost unique West Asian collection of historical microscopes. Respectively, I put up surplus or exciting items from the collection for sale. I would be happy to advise any interested collector free of charge. I would love to send photos, information and bibliographic references and discuss the sale details of the items offered here for sale.
