English Compound Microscope, 1880

Antique compound microscope made of brass and dated in 1880. This microscope, a classic-looking piece made in England, is a charming model which combines ancient age, beauty and functionality. It remains in very good condition, showing only slight signs of the trace of time and use. The microscopes design is quite attractive, with delicate curves and straight lines that make up an elegant and balanced model in perfect working order. The microscopes base is composed of two brass side pieces supported by a U-shaped cast-iron plate. This plate is painted black and creates a nice contrast with the golden shine shown off by the rest of the microscopes component parts. The brass side pieces are screwed to a cylinder connected to the sample plate. With its nice design and good working order, this lovely antique compound microscope will stand out in a good collection of old-time scientific instruments. Measurements: Width: 17 cm. Height: 33.5 cm.Compound Microscopes Characteristics and History Compound microscopes differ from simple microscopes in that they mount more than one lens. By combining the lenses, these instruments enable more lens magnifications. The lens combination can magnify the size of the objects 2000 times, compared to the maximum of 250 times provided by a simple lens. Curiously enough, compound microscopes were invented before simple microscopes. This was because in those times it was not possible to create high-magnification lenses, so it was necessary to combine two or more lenses in order to get the needed magnification. The first compound microscope was developed around 1600 by two Dutch lens manufacturers, Zacharias and Hans Janssen.