Antique and Rare Compound Microscope. France, Circa 1900

Antique and rare compound microscope made in France circa 1900, in fine working order and with its original storing case. The microscope is made of brass and mounts black-lacquered metal ¡ foot and sample plate. It is in excellent condition: the brass preserves the original protecting lacquer and looks polished and shiny. The black lacquer is also finely preserved, uniform and with no traces of rust. One of the most relevant features of this microscope is its original design; it is a rare model with straight-lined horseshoe foot with a remarkable modern style. The storing case is made of solid mahogany wood and remains in quite well condition. This antique and rare compound microscope will stand out in any showcase or shelf for its attractive design and original look. Dimensions: Foot: Width: 2.6 in / 6 cm. Depth: 3.94 in / 2.6 cm. Height: 10.24 in / 26 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 circa 1600 by two Dutch lens manufacturers, Zacharias and Hans Janssen.