Compound Binocular Microscope in Case with Accessories, by R. & J. Beck, London and Philadelphia, c. 1880

This copper alloy instrument is an example of the Beck 'Economic' microscope. The Wenham binocular body has linked slides to adjust the intraocular distance. The body is carried on a rack and pinion, for coarse focusing, and a mill-headed screw on the top of the cylindrical limb operates the fine focus. The stage is circular. A substage illuminator with an iris diaphragm is set on a swivelling mount that allows it to move from underneath the stage. A plano-concave mirror is mounted below this on a pivoting arm. The stage and limb are attached to a short pillar by a compass joint. The microscope stands on a flat tripod foot and is stored in a wooden case with a fold out metal handle at the top, inside the case is a cigar box now used for accessories, the box is from North Holland and inscribed "Jan Van Der Pigge, Haarlem, opger Ao 1800". The accessories comprise two pairs of eyepieces each with eyecups, and four objectives, Broken stage forceps and a number of five aperture discs and a cap. are also present.