Adams's universal compound microscope
Date: 1770-1785
Inventory Number: 1374
Classification: Microscope
Subject:
Maker: George Adams (I) (1709 - 1772)
Maker: George Adams (II) (English, 1750 - 1795)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
53 x 22 x 26 cm (20 7/8 x 8 11/16 x 10 1/4 in.)
Accessories: 1 Objective marked: 5; no case.
Description:
This is George Adams's universal microscope and could be made by either the elder or younger George Adams. The folding tripod base has flat legs and supports a tapered pillar. A compass joint at the top of the pillar holds a square-sectioned rod on which travels the substage mirror and the stage. The stage has wings. Rackwork is used to adjust the stage. An arm extending off the top of the rod holds the optical assembly.
Signedon stage: G Adams / No 60 Fleet Street London
Primary SourcesGeorge Adams, Essays on the microscope; containing a practical description of the most improved microscopes (London, 1787), plate 4, fig. 2.