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MICROSCOPE OIL LAMP

MAKER: James Swift & Son

c. 1875 (after 1863)

DESCRIPTION HISTORY

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DESCRIPTION:

lampThis is a relatively large oil lamp for use with a microscope. It is designed to use kerosene, also known as paraffin oil which became widely available in the 1860's. It is signed on the ring-base: 'Swift & Son London'. The burner is signed: 'E. Miller & Co. Pat. July 21 63.' The instrument arises on a circular pillar from a lacquered brass ring. A knurled knob can lock the vertical position anywhere within the range. The large reservoir is made of glass and fits inside a wide lacquered brass ring on a black painted platform. There is a glass chimney. There is a knob with wick height adjustment. The porcelain chimney cover is supported by a separate ring which fits into a recepticle on the support for the lamp resevoir.



HISTORY OF THE OIL LAMP FOR MICROSCOPY

The patent refers to the US patent number 39320 of July 21, 1863, an improvement in burners for 'coal-oil' lamps. Coal oil is another term for kerosene, also known as paraffin oil. Please see the Microscope Illuminant History page for details of the history of artificial light sources for the microscope and more about the Miller company.