Screwbarrel Microscope

This type of microscope was introduced in 1702 by James Wilson and those were made throughout the 18th century in ivory, brass or wood. I've made the one shown here out of boxwood, ebony and brass - based the design of a microscope displayed in the British Science Museum. In operation it is held near the eye by handle and focused by truing the barrel. The curve in the specimen holder allows the insertion of a small glass test tube to view liquid samples. Included is a photo of a similar 18th century microscope in ivory.