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Microscopic Writing Machine with Ibbetson Geometric Chuck, Made for William Peters, English, c. 1854

Inventory Number 44612

Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.44612

Subject
Microscopy
Item type
Object
Provenance
Lent by the Royal Microscopical Society in 1970. Presented to the Royal Microscopical Society by William Peters FRMS, 12 February 1862. Referred to by R J Farrants in his Presidential Address of 12 February1862 as "Mr Peter's machine".
Primary inscriptions
Machine not signed. Chuck signed "IBBETSON'S GEOMETRIC CHUCK (FIRST PART) MADE BY HOLTZAPFFEL & Co LONDON"
Object type
Microscopic writing machine
Dimensions
Height: 1050mm Width: 440mm Depth: 260mm
Inventory No
44612
Accession Number
1970-101/part

Description

Mahogany and glass case; chuck in separate box.

The machine was commissioned in 1852 and subsequently modified through at least two versions before 1862. According to Warren and Anderson (2007), Peters originally envisaged that microscopic engraving could be added to bank notes as an anti-forgery measure. Farrants commented on the considerable value of the instrument. It was occasionally brought out at RMS soirees.

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