AMERICAN AGRICULTURALIST MICROSCOPE (FIRST FORM):
c. 1877
Maker: BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO.
Serial number: none
DESCRIPTION
This microscope arises from a hard rubber (gutta percha) base with is shaped like part of a hollow sphere, with a angular cutout in front. When placed on a white or reflective surface, ambient light in front of the microscope is directed upward to illuminate transparent objects. There is a glass aperture at the bottom, and stage clips. There are three nonachromatic lenses which can be used singly or in combination, and a diaphragm is provided for use with higher powers to reduce spherical aberration, which of course also reduces the field of view. Focus is acheived by moving the lens set up or down the post. The base is signed: 'BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO. ROCHESTER, N.Y., PAT. APP'D FOR'
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURALIST MICROSCOPE
Starting in 1877, the American Agriculturalist Magazine advertised this diminutive instrument. It was touted as an aid to the farmer in detecting contamination and deterioration of e.g. seeds. It could also be used by children to explore the lttle things around us. The earliest version is labelled with a 'PAT. APP'D FOR' whereas shortly later, the patent date was added; this patent date as stated on the slightly later instruments, is Jan 8, 1878. This is patent number 199,015 issued to J.J. Bausch. The Orange Judd company address, as given in the 1877 through 1880 editions of the American Agriculturist was 245 Broadway, the address on the black box. Starting in 1881, the address had changed to 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.
