Philip Harris Antique Spectroscope, Circa 1900

Amazing antique spectroscope, an instrument also known as spectrometer made by the prestigious English laboratory-equipment manufacturer Philip Harris Ltd. in the early 20th century. This fascinating instrument is around one century old, but though it remains in wonderful condition. The glass prism it includes is in perfect condition and so are the lenses that make up the optical system. This spectroscope is worthy of inclusion in the best collection of turn-of-the-century scientific devices. Spectroscopes are scientific devices used to analyze the light coming from different sources, aiming to know the physical properties of the bodies through which this light passes. They have been used for centuries in related to physics-, chemistry- or medicine-related research tasks. The spectroscope that we can see in these images is especially remarkable for the excellent condition it remains in: it preserves all its original component parts and pieces and the brass it is made of is greatly preserved, just like the sturdy black-lacquered iron base it stands on. The biggest brass disc that sits on the iron base bears the engraved manufacturer name and location: PHILIP HARRIS LTD. ENGLAND. This awesome antique Philip Harris spectroscope will shine in the most prominent place of a great collection of scientific pieces. Measurements: Height: 10.63 in / 27 cm. Circular Base: 5.12 in / 13 cm Diameter. Telescope with Eyepiece (Min/Max Length): 80.66 10.23 in / 22 cm 26 cm. Light-Entering Telescope (Min/Max Length): 7.67 9.05 in / 29 cm 23 cm. Prism: 3.35 in / 8.5 cm Width.Philip Harris Ltd. - History Philip Harris Ltd. is a British manufacturer and supplier of laboratory equipment, founded in Birmingham in 1817 by Thomas Ellis. Ellis was a surgeon; after eight years, in 1825 the chemist Philip Harris entered the firm, which would eventually be renamed after him. In the beginning, the business operated under the Chemical Laboratory Company name. In the early times they made and commercialized chemical and surgical supplies, but in 1866 they started producing medicines too. In the 1960s and 70s the company opened new biological and manufacturing units, establishing their central offices in Shenstone. In the mid 1960s they started developing and supplying equipment and material for the new Nuffield science courses in England and Wales. The company kept on with its innovative policy in the 1980s and 90s, developing some of the firs scientific data-loggers used outside academic research laboratories. Today Philip Harris Ltd. maintains his founders values and still develops high-quality scientific material, especially for academic and educational uses.