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Microscope for George III, by George Adams, London, c. 1763

Inventory Number 35086

Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.35086

Subject
Microscopy
Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by Sir John Findlay. Findlay purchased it from the auction sale of the collection of Sir Frank Crisp (1843-1919). Made for George III in or before 1763.
Primary inscriptions
Signed: "Made by GEORGE ADAMS in Fleet Street LONDON"
Object type
Microscope
Dimensions
Height: 52.8cm Width: 29.5cm Depth: 220cm Weight: 9.45kg
Inventory No
35086
Accession Number
1927-12

Description

The pillar stands on a decorated base with feet in the form of figures joined by a transverse bar. This arrangement supports a ring of eight objective lenses. The instrument consists of a simple microscope on one side and a compound system on the other. There are two specimen stages, with positioning screws, and two mirrors set beneath each stage. The compound body-tube carries a micrometer. An ornate, articulated arm positioned at the top of the pillar holds a lens and two figures steady the decorated body tube.

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