Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 365 (CTS; stereo binocular head; mid-20th century)

 

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The parent British companies of Cooke, Troughton and Simms Ltd. had a long history with John Troughton (senior) opening a business as an instrument maker in 1756. William Simms became a partner of Edward Troughton, and the name of Troughton and Simms was established in 1824. CTS was formed in York when Thomas Cooke and Sons Ltd (founded in 1837 and controlled by Vickers since 1915) purchased Troughton and Simms Ltd in 1922. The company was completely taken over by Vickers in 1924 but retained their own name. In 1963 they became part of Vickers Instruments Ltd. Cooke, Troughton and Simms Ltd. ceased trading in 1988. The company had a systematic way of designating their microscope range: M1005/1025 (student's microscope), M1000 (general purpose microscope; introduced 1946); M2000 (microscope for routine and research investigations; introduced 1942); M3000 (as for the M2000 but with vertical adjustment to the stage; introduced 1946); M4000 (universal stand for visual and photographic examination; introduced 1944); M6000 (stereoscopic microscope; introduced 1946); M7000 (polarising microscope; introduced 1947). Microscope 365 is a stereo binocular head engraved with “MADE BY COOKE, TROUGHTON & SIMMS LTD, YORK, ENGLAND” and the serial number M602814. The instrument should be dated to the 1950s.

Note: this instrument was kindly donated by Dave Levell (Pembrokeshire, Wales) in May 2023.