demonstration compound microscope
Date: circa 1880
Inventory Number: 1033
Classification: Microscope
Subject:
Maker: Boston Optical Works (fl. 1867 - 1895)
Maker: Robert B. Tolles (1823 - 1883)
Maker: Charles X. Dalton (1840 - 1912)
Collector: Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
microscope: 5.5 × 8 × 28 cm (2 3/16 × 3 1/8 × 11 in.)
blue board box: 10.8 × 33.7 × 13.3 cm (4 1/4 × 13 1/4 × 5 1/4 in.)
Accessories: One unmarked demonstration slide; 1 objective, probably not by Tolles; 1 Society thread extender 14mm; 1 ocular, Huyghens?, 24.7 mm barrel, (45 deg. knurl suggests Tolles, although optics and eye end do not).
Description:
A long, straight, telescoping brass tube carries the eyepiece on its inner draw tube. Coarse focus is by sliding the inner draw tube. Fine focus is done by threads connecting the outer tube to the stage. Stage has clips to hold the slide, and is attached directly to the optical assembly.
In Collection(s)
Signedon tube: Boston / Optical Works
FunctionThis is a demonstration microscope for use with transparent objects only. The instructor would pass the microscope around the class and each student would hold it up to a light or window.
Historical AttributesNote of Dr. Ernst: Presented by Dr. E. A. Locke, Jan 14, 1907 to the microscope collection. Dr. Lewis added that Dr. Locke knew nothing about the source or significance of this "gadget."
ProvenanceEdward Allen Locke; gift to Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes (inv. no. 33), Harvard Medical School, Jan 14, 1907.