This nicely crafted monocular microscope was christened the Universal Microscope by its makers, the Smith, Beck & Beck company of London. The model featured below was redrawn from a photograph of the original microscope, which is part of the Billings microscope collection at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC.

The circular base of this microscope has been partially cut away, probably only for aesthetic reasons. A large cylindrical pillar supports both the body tube and the stage, which carries the side holder, condenser (not visible in the drawing), single mirror, and a bi-convex lens for reflected light illumination. Focus is achieved with a chain rack that serves to elevate and lower the body tube with respect to the stage.

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