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History of Science Museum

'Microsystem 70' Binocular Microscope, by Watson, London, c.1970

Inventory Number 10713


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.10713

Subject
Microscopy
Item type
Object
Provenance
Bequeathed by William V. Mitchell in 1997. RMS-MHS Collection of Twentieth-Century Microscopes.
Primary inscriptions
Watson. Microsystem 70.
Object type
Microscope
Dimensions
Height: 450mm Width: 185mm
Inventory No
10713

Description

The instrument stands on a large rectangular base, housing the light source. Two hand-rests fit onto the side of the base. The upright section holds the electrical components, controls for the light source and supports the stage and optics. The stage and sub stage condenser are moved, for focusing, by concentric controls on each side. An arm carries the binocular head and rotating objective changer. Three of the four sockets hold objectives. The eyepieces drop into tubes in the head that slide to adjust the inter-ocular distance. Both eyepieces can be focused independently. The stage is mechanical, moved by rack and pinions. Two scales show the degree of movement in each direction. Specimens are held on the stage plate by a sprung bracket. For transport a wooden cover fits over the instrument and clips onto the base.