Description

Large French “Universal Achromatic Microscope” c.1840

A horizontal compound monocular microscope named “Grand Microscope Universel” close to the Chevalier Universal microscope.

Dimension: case 38x27x9 cm (15×10 ½ x3 ½”); mounted on case 35 cm (14”)

Age: 1840 circa

Possibly attributed to the Parisian opticial Noel Buron, Rue des Trois Pavillons No.10.

In the 1844’s sale catalogue of the firm Buron (see last photo), this microscope is described as: “ (this instrument) reunites, both as to the mechanism and the optical combination, all the improvements that, in our times, have brought the microscope to such a high degree of perfection…”.

The microscope can be used and set up in different positions: horizontal, vertical, inverted (for chemical purposes) and simple microscope configurations.

Accessories are all present, and stored in the drawer of the case lined with mauve velvet.

There are 2 eyepieces, 2 objectives and 3 others objectives with lieberkuhn, cylinder carries reflecting prism, a swinging rotating sub-stg. with 5 different holes, attachment bar for simple microscope use, an insect pin, an articulated side-lens (little defective), a cardboard box and some pins and lancet. In a separate compartment there is the large double-sided (plano/concave) mirror (some desilvering to a side).

The microscope and its original box are in very good condition, retaining part of the original lacquer.

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Ref.:

·       Whipple Museum History of Science Catalogue (1986), no. 272-275 (by Chevalier) and no. 277 (by Buron).

·       http://www.antique-microscopes.com/photos/universal.htm

·        Bonhams, April 19, 2011 lot 179:  https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19034/lot/179