BOX-MOUNTED MEDIUM SIZED CARY-GOULD MICROSCOPE

c. 1835

Maker: Unknown

Serial Number:None

MODEL: IMPROVED POCKET COMPOUND AND SINGLE POCKET MICROSCOPE

DESCRIPTION

HISTORY

DESCRIPTION

This is one of the common variations of the Cary-Gould microscope. The original design, referred to below, was smaller. Three main sizes are recognized and this one is medium in size. Accessories still with the instrument include:

1. 2 bone sliders (one with opaque and the other with transparent specimens)
2. a stage needle with black and white disc (which may have originally included a stage forceps)
3. three objectives, which could be used alone or combined, and with or without the compound tube
4. an ivory disc, white on one side and black on the other
5. another black and white disc, but this one with a white center surrounded by black
6. a circular stage with a understage sprung slot to accept the sliders
7. the substage mirror

Likely lacking from the original kit are forceps, scalpel, livebox, and Camel's hair brush. The inside of the case is lined in purple velour. Although the mirror is contemporary, it is not original to the instrument, as it is slightly larger than the compartment for it in the case. Also of note, the illustration (from a different microscope kit) shows a square shaped stage rather than the circular one seen with this instrument.

HISTORY OF THE CARY-GOULD MICROSCOPE

This is a variation on the classic Cary-Gould microscope. The original design, also in this collection, is attributed to Charles Gould, a workman who was employed by the Cary company and described in his book, published in many editions, usually entitled: The Companion to the Microscope and a description of C. Gould's Improved Compound Pocket Microscope which has all the uses of the Single, Compound, and Opaque Microscopes London: Sold by W. Cary, 181 Strand. For more information about the history and details of the original box-mounted (Gould's Improved Pocket Compound Microscope) design, see the entry for that instrument.

As time passed, different versions of the Cary-Gould microscope were produced, and this is but one example. Preferences for different sizes became apparent and the demand was apparently large enough that these niches were filled. Similar variations in size of other microscopes of the nineteenth century (particularly from France), are apparent.