Wooden Revolver Single Microscope, ca. late 17th century
Stock Number: FG_22036
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European (Italian?), probably late 17th-century wooden single microscope with revolving samples stage in decorated embossed leather over wood etui.
Dimensions
Length: 18.5 cm
Countries of manufacture
Germany, France, Other
Description
Purchased in Italy, this continental European (Italian, French or Dutch), probably late 17th-century wooden single microscope comes with an oval case of wood covered in tan leather embossed with gold motifs. Objects to be viewed were held in the five holes within the circular revolving plate. The plate can be turned to bring each object into view in front of the bi-convex little lens under the eyecup. Unlike some other microscopes of this general design, the lens was placed in fixed focus from the specimen wheel. The small holes in the revolver and the high magnification of the lens suggest that this microscope was designed to observe Infusoria in water drops. The instrument fits into a shaped leather over the wood case with gold tooling on the outside and red inner velvet coating on the inside.
The instrument is 18.5 cm long. It is made of lignum vitae.
Although this device has no equivalent in design and method, it is reminiscent of some Dutch, French, and German Lands’ microscopes designed by makers such as Christian Huygens, Cosmus Conrad Cuno, Michael Butterfield, Nicolas Bion, Louis Chapotot, and Depovilly.
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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.
