Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

    

Microscope 502 (Unassigned maker; slide head linen prover; mid-19th century)

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Microscope 502 is a slide head linen prover, probably dated to the mid-19th century (Figure 1). This instrument would be used for counting threads in fabrics (the number of threads per unit of length provides evidence of a higher quality of cloth). The instrument is not signed.

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Figure 1. Slide head linen prover as featured in B. Pike’s 1848 and 1856 catalogues.