Culpeper – mid 18^th century

Edmund Culpeper (1666-1738) is often credited with providing the first substage mirror for the microscope. His tripod design was extremely successful and widely copied in the last three-quarters of the 18^th century. This instrument stands 15 ½" high with its wooden base and in closed position. Five lenses, each numbered from 1 to 5, accompany the set. The optical tube slides in its mount and is marked on its side with a number (1-5) that corresponds to the correct focus point for each of the five lenses. The eyepiece has a dust slide. Two lieberkuhn, each in its individual brass canister, are included. The lieberkuhn screw into a brass sleeve that slips over the lens tube so that they can be used with all the lenses, and the distance from the lens can vary. Other accessories include a live box, circular brass slide holder, and a stage condenser. The substage concave mirror is in very good condition with only minor age spotting in the center. The microscope is finished in lacquered brass. Most of the lacquer is worn off of the cylindrical body tubes. The instrument and its mahogany base with drawer are housed in a pyramidal oak case with brass carry ring. The use of oak for the case helps to date the instrument to the middle of the 18^th century. The case has an old iron lock but no key. The Culpeper microscope plays a pivotal role in the development of the microscope into a practical instrument.

Item 1182....................sold