AN IMPROVED COMPOUND MICROSCOPE OF PHILIP CARPENTER, CIRCA 1...

Hammer

£800

AN IMPROVED COMPOUND MICROSCOPE OF PHILIP CARPENTER, CIRCA 1820

Constructed in lacquered brass and signed and inscribed on the 6in. tube as per title, contained in a fitted box of issue, with removable velvet lining containing original users pamphlet by Carpenter, with owner's name inscribed A.W. Giles, and reversible card eye shade, with accessories including six nose pieces, Lieberkuhn reflector, candle holder, and six bone and wood specimen sliders, --15½in. (39.5cm.) wide

Dr. Mill notes:

Philip Carpenter is best known for his "Microcosm" a theatre in Regents Street where he gave public performances of a large solar microscope from 1826; he also supplied a range of scientific instruments. This microscope is his 'Improved Compound Microscope'. The tripod feet swivel together and fold flat for packing into the case. This is particularly attractive - of polished mahogany and brass lined with blue velvet. The velvet pad in the lid lifts out to reveal a cardboard eye shade. A complete set of 6 button lenses is present and there is a single fixed eyepiece. A lift-out tray holds the lenses, a Lieberkuhn, a brass box of mica discs and clips, a further box for gum, a specimen tube, a clip for making slides. Below the tray are six bone specimen sliders, two wood sliders, six wooden opaque sliders. Interestingly there is a 'mystery object' - a candle holder.

A small brochure gives detailed instructions -"much easier to manage than any other compound Microscope in use." In the back of the brochure are hand written lists of the specimens supplied. The proud owner has signed the cover neatly 'A. W. Giles'

ref: Turner "Great Age of the Microscope" (1988) p 72-3.

Fine overall condition. Some components are missings.