Antique monocular microscope

1836 – United Kingdom

Antique monocular microscope, brass with ornamental letter inscription/engraving.

A large (maximum height 49cm) vintage monocular microscope on base plate. Adjustable in several ways on the table: left, right, front, back, by means of large brass knobs. Large adjustment in height. Produced circa 1836. Joshua Somalvico & co. were famous for their craftsmanship in the field of barometers. This microscope is rare as a side product.

Inscription/engraving on the foot in ornamental letters
Josh’ Somalvico & Co,
16 Charles St,
Hatton Garden,
London, E.C.

For most of the 18th century microscopes with one lens, the so-called single (monocular) microscopes, had better optical properties than the microscopes with two or three lenses, the compound microscopes. For that reason the simple microscope was the most widely used instrument by the early microscopists. In addition, simple microscopes were easier to make.
See photos for an impression.