Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Library telescope engraved with ‘Adie & Son, Edinburgh’ (c. 1860)

Library telescope engraved with ‘Adie & Son, Edinburgh’. This instrument should be dated to c. 1860. Alexander James Adie was the nephew of John Miller, a famous Scottish instrument maker. He worked for his uncle between 1787 and 1796, and was his partner from 1803, as Miller & Adie, name that lasted until 1822. The eldest son of Alexander Adie, John Adie, joined his father in the firm in 1835, and the name of the company changed to Adie & Son. The firm was in Edinburgh, but a branch started also in Liverpool in 1835, run by another of Alexander’s sons (Richard Adie). There was another branch (or possible a distinct firm) in London, from 1844, run by another son (Patrick Adie). After the death of both Alexander and John, Richard Adie returned to Edinburgh to run the business. After Richard died, in 1881, the name of the firm changed to Adie & Wedderburn. The firm traded as Adie & Son from 50 Princess Street, Edinburgh (1844 – 1880), and other addresses before then. As Adie & Wedderburn, the firm traded from 37 Hanover Street (1881 – 1883), 17 Hanover Street (1883 – 1902), 33 Hanover Street (1903 – 1909) and 52 George Street (1909 – 1913).