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ABBOTT'S POCKET MICROSCOPE:

c. 1875-1882

Maker: L.G.Abbott Co.

Serial number: none

DESCRIPTION HISTORY

 

Abbott Microscope DESCRIPTION

This rarely seen microscope is made of relatively thin brass and is unsigned, but clearly identical to illustrations of Abbott's Pocket Microscope. The bottom part of the microscope serves as a stage, or, alternatively by swinging this piece around, a frame for use as a linen prover (thread counter). The stage clips hold a square thin 'live box' arrangement, wherein a small insect can be held in the circular center of a piece of cardboard with glass squares above and below, all held together by the stage clips. Alternatively an ordinary slide could be used. The stage can be rotated on the bottom piece to bring the standard size square opening into view to allow thread counting. The upper arm houses the optical element.

AbbottHISTORY OF THE ABBOTT POCKET MICROSCOPE

Starting about 1875, various magazines started to advertise 'Abbott's Pocket Microscope'. It was mentioned in 'The Cultivator and Country Gentleman' (Vol XL, p462, 1875), and was advertised in the 'Gardener's Monthly and Horticulturalist' of 1882, 'Good Health' of 1876, the 'American Bee Journal' of 1876, and in the 'American Agriculturalist' where it was advertised as a cheaper alternative to the Bausch & Lomb Excelsior Model. As was also true for the other little microscopes the American Agriculturalist offered, Abbott's could also be supplied free as a premium in return for multiple subscriptions (4 subscriptions in this case).