Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Abbe-type camera lucida from R&J Beck (early-20^th century)

Abbe-type camera lucida from R&J Beck, probably dated to the early 20th century (Figure 1). This type of camera lucida was invented by Ernst Abbe in the 1880's and is used clamped around the eyepiece of the microscope. This apparatus is made for the production of correct drawings of images seen through the microscope. It consists of a prism mounted to fit over the eyepiece and a large mirror placed a few inches from it. The prism is silvered but has a small clear aperture in its centre. The paper upon which the drawing is made is reflected by the mirror into the prism and in turn by the silvered surface of the prism into the eye. At the same time the object is seen through the clear aperture in the prism. Thus, the object is seen superimposed upon the paper and can be readily drawn. The microscope should preferably be used vertical, but if inclined, the drawing paper must be set in the same plane as the stage. R & J Beck occupy an especially important place in the history of the British microscope manufacturing with its beginning established in London, by Richard Beck (1827 - 1866) in association with James Smith (1800 – 1873), and later to be joined by his brother Joseph Beck. Richard and Joseph Beck were nephews of Joseph Jackson Lister, who was a respected British optician and physicist who experimented with achromatic lenses and perfected an optical microscope. In commissioning the manufacture of his improved microscope, Lister worked with James Smith, an employee of the instrument-making firm of William Tulley, to create the stand. James Smith went on to establish his own optical instruments workshop in 1837. Through this relationship, Lister arranged for his nephew, Richard Beck to be an apprentice under Smith in 1843. In 1847, James Smith entered into partnership with Richard Beck, and the company was re-named Smith & Beck. In 1854, the company was renamed to Smith, Beck and Beck, as Richard Beck's brother Joseph Beck joined the company in 1851. James Smith retired in 1865 and the company became R & J Beck and this name lasted for long time. In 1866, Richard Beck died at an early age of 39, and Joseph Beck carried on the business. In 1895 the company became a limited partnership (R & J Beck Ltd). By 1968, the company was a subsidiary of the Ealing Corporation of USA. In 2019, Beck Optronic Solutions Ltd is a descendent of the former R & J Beck Ltd.

Figure 1. Abbe-type camera lucida as pictured in a R&J Beck’s catalogue from the 1920s.

References

CAMERA LUCIDAS AND PROJECTION EYEPIECES (https://www.microscope-antiques.com/camluc.html), last accessed on 11.07.2021)

LAST EDITED: 25.07.2021