DESCRIPTION:

This is a relatively large oil lamp for use with a microscope, about thirteen inches to the top of the pillar. It is designed to use kerosene, also known as paraffin oil. It is signed on the tin: 'W. Watons & Sons, 313 High Holborn, London, 5232'. The knob for the wick height adjustment which is signed 'E. Miller Co., Made in U.S.A.' The instrument arises from a flat equiaxed three toed foot painted glossy black. From one toe arises a square piller on which the main instrument slides up and down. A knurled knob can lock the vertical position anywhere within the range. There is then a diagonal rack and pinion 'fine' adjustment for height, and also a similar adjustment right or left, but via worm screw. The large reservoir is made of black painted tin with a screw on cap. The tin chimney is supported by a side arm supported byt a receptacle on a ring under the chimney. The front of the chimney has a pair of flanges to accept the clear or blue glass front. A straight metal piece protrudes from the resevoir to support a large bullseye condenser between trunions; the twin supports can be adusted up and down inside concentric supports. The bullseye can also swivel. The bullseye is encased in a wide lacquered brass ring.

I would like to thank the owner of this instrument for allowing me to use images of his lamp on this site.

HISTORY OF THE OIL LAMP FOR MICROSCOPY

Please see the Microscope Illuminant History page for details of the history of artificial light sources for the microscope.