Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 472 (unassigned maker; flower microscope; 19^th century)

This small folding instrument has been referred to as a botanical, flower, insect or entomological microscope, depending on the authors or makers (Figure 1). These instruments were very popular in the 18^th and 19^th centuries and were first described in 1798 in George Adam's ‘Essays on the Microscope" (published by W. and S. Jones). Most 19^th century instrument makers sold microscopes like these for many years up to at least 1890 and perhaps into the early 20^th century. Among these instrument makers or retailers, we can find R&J Beck, B. Pike, W. McAllister, J. Queen, Negretti and Zambra and Palmer. The optics consist of two small threaded lenses which can be used alone or together providing three different magnifications. The original specimen holder of this instrument is missing.

Figure 1. Flower microscope as engraved in the catalogues of Negretti & Zambra from 1859 (A) and R & J Beck from 1882 (B).