Description

An excellent and complete Jones-type simple botanical microscope of the popular Adams/Jones type with modifications.

As you know, when Jones bought up the Adams publications, Adams had an early design for a simple field microscope that was then produced by William Jones. Originally on an oval ebony base with a cumbersome pin to the pillar and three lenses that flipped in and out of the optical axis, the model was unchanged for 20 years. We then see a heavier brass base with ferrule for easier insertion and improved stability. Gone are the 3 overlapping lenses, these being replaced with 3 interchangeable and stacking lenses.  Essentially, everything else remained unchanged until the ferrule in the lid became popular. Even the red morocco case is the same. Hence, this had to have been made c.1800 prior to the innovations of William Cary (1810).

The instrument is in fine condition and consists of the aforementioned brass oval base, square pillar with sliding eared stage and surmounted by a round threaded ring to accommodate the stacking lenses (all clear and undamaged). The accessories include a live box, well glass for aquatics, pin probe, hand tweezers, stage forceps with blued tines and B/W terminal disc, and a single sided one inch mirror with steel pin to the pillar (no loss of silvering).

The red morocco case is in superb condition with both closure hooks and hinges present. It measures 4 1/2 x 3 x 1 1/2 inches deep (12 x 8 x 3 cm). and has a red velvet liner to match the exterior. A rare transitional form, from the Jones workshop.