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Chest microscope formerly owned by Pope Benedict XIV
Chest microscope, very ornate, formerly owned by Pope Benedict XIV (1675-1758)
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The high level of decoration reflects the status of this microscope’s former owner, Pope Benedict XIV. This is an example of a chest microscope, which were popular from the mid 1700s and throughout the 1800s. The microscope folds into the chest, which protects the tube as well as making the microscope portable – although this is quite a large example, measuring 395 mm high and 215 mm in width. The lenses are also adjustable in height. The top lens is protected by a brass cover and there is a drawer to store slides.
- Measurements:
-
overall: 395 mm x 225 mm x 178 mm, 1.823 kg
- Materials:
- body tube, shagreen , body tube, ivory , body tube, lignum vitae , pillar, brass , stage, brass , feet, brass , base, walnut and base, boxwood, inlay
- Object Number:
- A56294/1
- type:
- microscope
- Image ©
- The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
