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English Simple Microscope

This microscope is an example of a pocket botanical microscope introduced during the waning years of the eighteenth century. Several variations are reviewed in Gerard Turner's book The Great Age of the Microscope.

Attributed to the Jones brothers (William and Samuel), the microscope illustrated above has a pair of lenses mounted in a brass ring affixed to a hinged arm. A second hinged arm forms the handle of the microscope, which is fashioned from turned ivory. Exiting at a perpendicular angle to the hinged arms is a "U"-shaped bar with a central slot that accepts an adjustable specimen holder. Focusing is accomplished by moving the specimen holder closer or farther from the eye lens by translating its location in the bar and securing it in place with a knurled knob tensioned by a brass spring. A hole in the specimen holder is designed to accept a pair of stage forceps for gripping the specimen. The microscope is accompanied by a wooden box covered with embossed black paper.

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