Curator's Choice: A Selection of Instruments from the Museum Stores

Richard Paselk, Curator

Universal Stage

Large 4-axis Universal Stage on Centring Base

The universal stage is used to align crystals in geological specimens to specific orientations needed to measure their optical properties. It is capable of measuring angles in both horizontal and vertical planes by tilting and turning a series of concentric graduated rings. It was used most frequently with thin sections mounted on glass slides. This stage is one of two purchased for use in HSU's Geology department around 1965.

The stage is displayed mounted on a graduated polarizing microscope stage, this stage is not shown in the photo above. The original box is displayed to the left.

Usage/History

The catalog scan is from: Ernst Leitz. Polarizing Microscopes and Accessories. Wetzler. (1950).

A fairly detailed article about the universal stage including description, history and use is available as a pdf by clicking this link. It was downloaded from the web 02/14/2017 (https://www.geochemsoc.org/publications/geochemicalnews/gn140jul09/theuniversalstage/)

Description

A photo of the stage with accessory hemispheres is seen below. The stage came in a fitted mahogany box. The box is also shown below both closed and open box with the stage and accessories in their fitted compartments.

© R. Paselk 2013, Last modified 3 January 2021