Early Spike-Stand
Stock Number: FG_22038
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These are early forms of the single microscope made of bone, horn, or fruitwood. They have a single, biconvex lens mounted on the top of a stand facing a spike on a movable rod or a brass sprung pin, to which a flower or an insect could be speared for inspection (thus the term "flea glass", an English translation of the Latin name vitrum pulicarium). Focusing was achieved by moving the spike backwards or towards the lens.
A similar microscope appears in Johannes Zahn's (1702) book (last image). The instrument seen here dates between the late 17th to the mid-18th century.
Dimensions
Height: 9 cm
Circa
1700
Country of manufacture
Germany
Description
This is an early form of a spike-stand microscope made of lathe-turned bone (presumably bovine). This early and rare form of the Spike-Stand microscope is more or less similar to Zahn’s depiction, the latter was probably turned of wood.
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Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh was the mythological hero of the cultures of ancient West Asia, who set out on a journey in which he sought youth and eternal life.
Fleaglass Gilgamesh is located in Israel. As an archaeologist researching the material culture of the distant past and using the microscope as a powerful research tool, I have collected microscopes for over two decades from this fantastic tool's first 300 years of existence and researched the cultural context of their use. Passion has become an obsession, and I cultivate the complete and almost unique West Asian collection of historical microscopes. Respectively, I put up surplus or exciting items from the collection for sale. I would be happy to advise any interested collector free of charge. I would love to send photos, information and bibliographic references and discuss the sale details of the items offered here for sale.
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