Bononiae Microscope - Gould-type microscope by Carpenter & Westley, c. 1840

The mahogany case, with the chamfered top and plinth base, is characteristic of Phillip

Carpenter's early 19th century instruments. The construction is of a "Cary/Gould" type, with the

signed vertical pillar mounting on a boss on the top of the case, and a rack cut into the rear of the

pillar affording movement of the stage assembly. Any of the 4 stackable objective lenses screw

onto the bar support at the top of the pillar and the conical body tube screws in place on top of

the objective(s). Without the body tube, the instrument functions beautifully as a simple

microscope.

The firm of Carpenter & Westley was formed in 1838 by Phillip Carpenter's sister (after his

death) and William Westley, and because this microscope has features highly similar to

Carpenter's earlier stands, it is believed to be one of Carpenter & Westley's first stands.