Wooden Revolver Single Microscope, ca. late 17th century
Stock Number: FG_22036
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European (Italian?), probably late 17th-century wooden single microscope with revolving samples stage in decorated embossed leather over wood etui.
Dimensions
Length: 18.5 cm
Countries of manufacture
Germany, France, Other
Description
Purchased in Italy, this continental European (Italian, French or Dutch), probably late 17th-century wooden single microscope comes with an oval case of wood covered in tan leather embossed with gold motifs. Objects to be viewed were held in the five holes within the circular revolving plate. The plate can be turned to bring each object into view in front of the bi-convex little lens under the eyecup. Unlike some other microscopes of this general design, the lens was placed in fixed focus from the specimen wheel. The small holes in the revolver and the high magnification of the lens suggest that this microscope was designed to observe Infusoria in water drops. The instrument fits into a shaped leather over the wood case with gold tooling on the outside and red inner velvet coating on the inside.
The instrument is 18.5 cm long. It is made of lignum vitae.
Although this device has no equivalent in design and method, it is reminiscent of some Dutch, French, and German Lands’ microscopes designed by makers such as Christian Huygens, Cosmus Conrad Cuno, Michael Butterfield, Nicolas Bion, Louis Chapotot, and Depovilly.
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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.
