Lignum Vitae Optical Compendium of Three Microscopes, ca. 1720-1730
Stock Number: FG_22037
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This is an early, rare, and high-quality version of an optical compendium. It is made entirely of lignum vitae and includes a variety of microscopes that provide different magnifications and the ability to examine both transparent and opaque objects.
Dimensions
Height closed: 10.5 cm, max. diameter at base: 3.5 cm.
Circa
1720-1730
Country of manufacture
UK and Ireland
Description
The dome lid at the top of the compendium hides underneath a flea glass of the type seen in the other examples shown here. Its removal reveals a magnifier that allows the inspection of objects under low magnification. Inside the magnifier’s housing is a screw-barrel microscope of a particular type that includes a live box for light-permeable items. At the bottom of the compendium are two more lenses for this microscope, allowing a choice of three different magnifications. Similar devices are known from the Science Museum in London (1993-1133; A200800; 1938-740), the Whipple Museum, the Giordano collection (now in the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, France), and an ivory version in the Golub Collection (No. 111).
Condition: The overall condition is excellent, as seen in the photos. The only issue is that the screw barrel is halted and cannot be turned, and so is the lens in its housing. Because there is a hairline crack along part of its body, I did not attempt to use any oil or try any forced action to release it.
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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.
