A rare Ellis Aquatic type botanical field microscope circa 1780-1810. Ref.MA/37
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Product information
Description: A rare Ellis Aquatic type botanical field microscope circa 1780-1810. Ref.MA/37
Maker: Unknown English make
Date: Estimated at between 1780-1810
History: Abraham Tremblay, in 1744,developed a relatively simple field microscope which was later improved on by Ellis and John Cuff and became known as the Ellis Aquatic microscope. The eyepiece could be moved up or down a supporting cylindrical mast as well as being able to move forwards and backwards. This allowed any small aquatic insect to remain undisturbed in a glass stage filled with water. This design was copied by numerous instrument makers in Europe as well as Britain. The microscope on offer has no makers name (they were seldom marked) but appears to be of English manufacture. The cylindrical mast was replaced by a rack and pinion movement (as seen on the microscope on offer) , the eyepiece remained in one position, a number of lenses of different magnitude were added and the stage was now allowed to move in an arc. The entire unit could be fitted into a small box and carried out into the countryside where the many Natural Philosophers of the late 1700s could examine tiny insects, water hydra, etc.at their leisure on country outings.
Description: The microscope on offer fits securely into a small wooden box, covered with the skin of a ray (or shark),measuring just 8.6 cm x 10 cm x 2.7 cm. Inside the box which is lined in a maroon velvet, is found the rack and pinion, three lenses of different strength which can be screwed together giving the user a number of magnification possibilities, a stage in which a glass insert for viewing objects in water is found as well as the stage accommodating three bone sliders, two of which are each fitted with 6 glass cells and one slider fitted with 6 hollow cells. All the cells in the sliders have specimens. There is a single sided flat mirror at the base for better illumination and a thin bladed dissecting knife completes the unit. The microscope is screwed into the top of the box. Take note of the hand-cut gears on the rack, pointing to the excellent craftsmanship of those early days. These instruments were all hand-made.
In trying to establish the age of the microscope, I have taken into consideration the ray skin (or sharkskin) box which is often seen in the late 1700s as well as microscopes of similar design. You can google these on line.
Condition: All in all, the instrument remains in good overall condition.
Dimensions: The microscope stands 11.7 cm high when mounted on the box.
Price: R7,500.00
Please note, I am NOT a qualified archaeologist/antiquarian and the description I have given is based on research of the subject.
This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE.
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