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

Richard Paselk, Curator

19^th Century Research Microscope

Unlike nearly all objects in the Museum's collection, this microscope was never used at HSU. It was accepted by the Curator as an example of the "brass & glass" instruments of earlier eras which are so highly valued by collectors and which dominate most museum collections. It is displayed here as a reminder of the rich aesthetic tradition of scientific practice.

Description

This is a top-level microscope typical of the late-19th century. Notable features include a centerable rotating stage (note the centring knobs on either side of the stage in the image taken from directly in front), the ability to offset the substage condenser to optimize illumination (see close-ups of the substage in place, the substage swung out for access and the substage with off-set mechanism folded out from condenser). This microscope also allows the user to move the mirror above the stage for illumination from above (as seen in the microscope as displayed in the exhibit case). Another close-up shows the fine focus micrometer dial with gradations = 0.3 mm/div.

This also example demonstrates the interchangeabilty of parts for even top quality microscope in the early twentieth century. For example the microscope on display has a Leitz nosepiece (as can be seen in the view from the left rear, of course Reichert and Leitz were historically closely related as well). The kit came with objectives from both Reichert and Watson (the black oil immersion objective seen in the same image is by Watson). The instrument is displayed with its original mahogany case and brass objective cans. (See image of closed case and image of open case with microscope and accessories)

© R. Paselk 2013, Last modified 4 January 2021