Index

Drum Microscope (c.1820)

Elegant drum microscope popularized in the early 19th century from a design by Benjamin Martin from the mid-18th century. Drum microscopes began to be manufactured in 1770 and lived their moment of maximum splendor in approximately 1840. This copy is the most complete model that was manufactured and has numerous accessories that allowed it great versatility. Made of gold lacquered brass, its finish is really magnificent, with hardly any wear marks from use. Fully closed it measures 246mm and can be extended to 305mm. It is very complete, with additional accessories to the original ones, among which the six initial lenses stand out, numbered and in perfect condition, both optically and aesthetically. The focus system is by lateral rack and pinion. The box, made of mahogany, preserves the lock and the key, as well as the varnish that protects it. It has a tray prepared to accommodate the accessories, and a drawer to store material. The rest of the accessories that complete it are: two sets of tweezers, one hand-held and the other to hold the specimens to be studied, a light-concentrating lens, a "livebox" for observing live insects, a container for observing liquids, a "Lieberkuhn", different containers with material to make the preparations, as well as a few of these finished, on an ivory or bone support.

References: "Billings Microscope Collection" pag 27, fig. 50

G. Turner, "Great Age of the Microscope", pag 89, Num catálogo 73

G. Turner, Collecting Microscopes, pag 45

H. Moe, "The Story of the Microscopes", pag 188

Links: http://www.antique-microscopes.com/photos/english_drum.htm

http://www.arsmachina.com/drum1158.htm