This early nineteenth century Dollond microscope was considered to be among the finest optical instruments developed prior to the introduction of achromatic microscope objectives. The model featured below was redrawn from photographs of the original microscope, which is part of the Billings microscope collection at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC.

Exhibiting excellent workmanship, the compound monocular microscope is similar in design and execution to the "Jones Most Improved" instrument series and is signed on the base, "Dollond, London". A folding tripod base anchors the circular pillar that is surmounted by a compass joint. Affixed to the joint is a short arm that suspends a limb measuring 10-1/2-inches in length. A double mirror (2-inches in diameter) is clamped onto a sleeve positioned at the lower end of the limb.

Illumination is concentrated by a 1-1/2-inch diameter condenser secured on an adjustable angled limb located above the mirror. The body tube affixes at the nose to the upper portion of the limb and remains stationary. There is no drawtube and focus is accomplished by adjusting the stage position in relation to that of the objective by turning a pinion located on the stage sleeve. Additional optical features include an eyepiece that is comprised of three lenses and a field lens.

BACK TO NINETEENTH CENTURY MICROSCOPES

Questions or comments? Send us an email.

© 1998-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.

This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Last modification: Friday, Nov 13, 2015 at 01:19 PM

Access Count Since May 29, 2001: 27943

For more information on microscope manufacturers,
use the buttons below to navigate to their websites: