screw-barrel and compass-type simple microscopes
Date: circa 1720
Inventory Number: 1063
Classification: Microscope
Subject:
Maker: English
Owner: Edward Holyoke (1689 - 1769)
Owner: Edward Augustus Holyoke (1728 - 1829)
City of Use:
Dimensions:
6 x 13 x 3 cm (2 3/8 x 5 1/8 x 1 3/16 in.)
case: 5 x 18.5 x 6 cm (1 15/16 x 7 5/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
Accessories: 6 objectives; live box; magnifier; ivory box with mica covers; handle.
Description:
This set has a both a compass microscope and Wilson screw-barrel-type microsope with interchangeable parts. The compass microscope has a brass handle with 6 objectives framed in ivory. The forceps is attached by means of a compass joint to the handle. The screw-barrel microscope has its own ivory handle.
Both microscopes are stored in a wooden box covered with sharkskin.
Both microscopes are stored in a wooden box covered with sharkskin.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
Historical AttributesThis microscope kit belonged to and was used by Edward Holyoke (AB 1705, AM 1708), who as Harvard librarian, tutor, and fellow from 1709 onward had a steady interest in science. He became President of Harvard College in 1737 and served until his death in 1769.
ProvenanceEdward Holyoke, circa 1720; Edward Augustus Holyoke, his son, circa 1769; ... ; Andrew Nichols (1890-circa 1944) of Danvers, Mass., a descendent of Holyoke; permanent loan and later transfer from the estate of Andrew Nichols to the Ernst-Lewis Collection at Harvard Medical School, courtesy of Miss Mary E. Nichols, 1944.