Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 563 (Aitchison; drum microscope; early 20^th century)

James Aitchison founded his first optical business in 1889 at Fleet Street, London, England. The firm Aitchison and Co. merged with Dollond & Co. in 1927 to form Dollond & Aitchison. The business was absorbed into Boots Opticians in 2009 and stores were rebranded under the Boots Opticians name, completed in 2015. Microscope 563 is a simple drum microscope and was probably made in the early 20^th century. The instrument is engraved with “AITCHISON, LONDON & PROVINCES” but it is likely that this firm was simply a retailer for these microscopes. Drum microscopes were apparently invented by German makers in the early 1700's. However, it was Benjamin Martin who, in about 1738, introduced a format that became most popularized. Benjamin’s name became associated with these types of microscopes, and they are to this day often still referred to as 'Martin type' or ‘Martin drum’ microscopes. Simple versions of the Martin type microscope were sold in large numbers during the second half of the 19^th century and early 20^th century, mainly with a French origin. The most common models, also with the lowest quality, especially when sold in the 20^th century, were models like microscope 563 and the same microscopes with the addition of a bullseye condenser (Figure 2). However, other versions of drum microscopes were available from different makers and retailers (Figures 3 and 4). The original forms of drum microscopes had a sliding coarse focus, although some versions had a rack and pinion focussing mechanism. The stage of the basic drum microscope models allowed limited access and movement to microscope slides, but some models had less obtrusive designs such as an opening access to the stage from two sides (Figure 3), or the use of a thin pillar to support the body tube rather than using an extension of the basic outer tube housing upwards. Most drum microscopes were sold with a single objective, but often the French objectives were divisible and sometimes extra objectives and other accessories were supplied. Some drum microscope models allowed for inclination (Figure 3B). The earlier versions of drum microscopes were sold in heavy hardwood boxes, but the later, especially twentieth century models, were often sold in lower quality and thin pine boxes. While some of these toy drum microscopes were being sold, more substantial and complete models that could be used for more serious work were also available. These included examples made by makers such as Nachet, Oberhauser, Hartnack and by some English makers through much of the 19^th century, though less commonly as the century progressed. Figure 4 illustrates an example of a Large Improved Compound Microscope. These drum microscopes are relatively common and date from the early to mid-19^th century. Some instruments are signed by a retailer, while others are unsigned. Most likely these microscopes were made for the trade and not necessarily by the firm identified by the signature. Versions of these instruments were produced with and without the rack and pinion focusing mechanism.

Figure 1. Several versions of drum microscopes sold during the second half of the 19^th century as engraved in antique catalogues of different makers and retailers: (A) Spencer Browning & Co (1857); (B) Negretti & Zambra (1859, 1870s and 1885); (C) William McAllister (1867); (D, E) James Queen (1870 and 1872); (F) Miller Bros (1879); (G) R & J Beck (1882); James Queen & Co (1890).

Figure 2. Several versions of drum microscopes as in Figure 1 but including an bullseye lens, sold during the second half of the 19^th century as engraved in antique catalogues of different makers and retailers: (A) Spencer Browning & Co (1857); (B) Negretti & Zambra (1859); (C) F & J Amadio (1864); (D) William McAllister (1867); (E) James Queen (1870); (F) James Queen (1870 and 1872); (G, H) Negretti & Zambra (1870s, 1885); (I) Miller Bros (1879).

Figure 3. Different versions of drum microscopes as engraved in an antique catalogue of B Kahn & Son (c. 1890).

Figure 4. An engraving of the English Large Improved Compound Microscope as shown in the 1848 Pike's Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical and Philosophical Instruments.