Edward Culpeper (1670-1737), a mathematical instrument maker based in London, developed this type of microscope between 1725 and 1730. The microscope had a tripod stand and also featured a concave mirror at the base instead of a flat mirror. This allowed light to be reflected and concentrated di-rectly on to the object being studied.

The Culpeper microscope was so popular that it was made by almost every instrument maker. George Adams (1709-1772) was a mathematical, philosophical and optical instrument maker and lecturer based in London and he produced work of the highest quality.