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AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST MICROSCOPE (LATER DRUM FORM):
c. 1890
Maker: BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO.
Serial number: none
DESCRIPTION
Housed in green cardboard case, this nickel-plated miniature drum microscope arises from a round drum base with a coutout for the swivelling plane single-sided mirror. The lenses are mounted on a rod which slides up and down for focus via a small knob in the back. The base is signed: 'BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO. ROCHESTER, N.Y., PAT. APP'D FOR'. Although a wire slide hold down was usually supplied, many of these are lacking this piece of thin wire which wraps around the cylindrical portion.
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURALIST MICROSCOPE
Starting in 1877, the American Agriculturalist Magazine advertised the earlier version of this diminutive instrument. The later version featured improvements including the understage mirror and the easier control of focus. The Orange Judd company address starting in 1881, was at 751 Broadway, the address on the green box. The green box is a bit more common, and later, a reddish orange box was also supplied.