Solar microscope by Harris & Co., ¼ 19th C.

Signed: W. Harris & Co. 50 Holborn, LONDON
Box 26,5 x 8 x 21,5 cm
Plate 18 x 6,8 cm

 

This kind of instruments was used to project magnified images within a room, allowing many people to see them. The prints are from Martin Ledermuller's book "Mikroskoopische Vermaaklykheden", 1776 (Science Museum, London). The mirror is mounted with a geared fitting on the back to adjust the angle. The tube screws in to the front of the shutter plate; at the other end it screws into a barrel containing the spring stage with rackwork focusing.
The accessories include five of six numbered objectives (three with caps), hand magnifier and two large wood sliders. All is packed in a mahogany box.