






Chest microscope, very ornate, formerly owned by Pope Benedict XIV (1675-1758)
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.
On display
Science Museum: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
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Details
- Category:
- Microscopy (Wellcome)
- Materials:
- base, boxwood, inlay, base, walnut, body tube, ivory, body tube, lignum vitae, body tube, shagreen, feet, brass, pillar, brass and stage, brass
- Identifier:
- A56294
- type:
- microscope
- taxonomy:
-
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
- optical instrument
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