The Seed Microscope, ca. 1850
Stock Number: FG_25007
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A mid-19th-century version of a livebox microscope is shown on the right. Its purpose is to inspect plant seeds under magnification for comparison. The microscope features a circular base divided into six compartments, covered with a glass top. Rising from the center is a pillar that carries a lens in a rotating mount, providing a magnification of about 5x. Different varieties of seeds are placed in these compartments, making them easily available for examination and comparison.
Circa
Ca. 1850
Countries of manufacture
UK and Ireland, Other
Description
During the Enlightenment era and the Age of Exploration, science gained popularity among the public, who were becoming more literate and interested in education and knowledge. This growing interest contributed to the development of print culture and the spread of scientific learning. In Britain, organizations such as the Royal Institution were established to promote the introduction and dissemination of useful mechanical inventions and improvements. These organizations also aimed to teach the application of science to everyday life through philosophical lectures and experiments.
As fascination with natural philosophy expanded, hobbyists began to explore the world around them. They studied insects, microscopic flora and fauna, fossils, and mineral crystals. Wealthy enthusiasts could afford expensive compound microscopes, while those with less means used simpler models. Despite their modest nature, even these basic microscopes satisfied the curiosity of many and helped spread knowledge of natural history to the public well into the 20th century.
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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.
