Refracting telescope on stand by Ramsden, Dollond and Miller, 1769

Refracting telescope of 2 inch aperture and 30 inch focal length, engraved, 'Ramsden London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller, Edinburgh with wooden case. A label in the transit box states that the telescope was made by Peter Dollond for Jesse Ramsden. The telescope may have been used by Dr Lind F.R.S. to observe the 1769 Transit of Venus.

Dated to about 1769, this 2-inch telescope was made by the London instrument makers Jesse Ramsden and Peter Dollond, while the equatorial mounting is by John Miller, Edinburgh. From a label on the case, is known that the original owner was James Lind, a Scottish physician. It is believed that he used this telescope to watch the 1769 transit of Venus from near Edinburgh. In reporting his observation to the Royal Society, London, he gives a description of his instrument that matches this telescope. Later, Lind retired to Windsor where he acted as physician to the royal household and was regarded as an eccentric. Recent work has suggested that he is possibly the role model for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Details

Category:
Astronomy
Object Number:
1906-71
Materials:
wood, brass, glass and complete
Measurements:
overall (assembled): 780 x 730 x 300 mm
type:
telescope - refracting and equatorial instrument
credit:
J.C. Stevens Auction House

Parts

Case for refracting telescope of 2-inch aperture and 30 inch focal length

Case for refracting telescope of 2-inch aperture and 30 inch focal length

Case for refracting telescope of 2-inch aperture and 30 inch focal length, by Ramsden, London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller of Edinburgh

Measurements:
overall: 270 x 630 x 360 mm
Materials:
pine
Object Number:
1906-71 Pt1
type:
components , storage boxes and instruments
Refracting telescope of 2 inch aperture and 30 inch focal length

Refracting telescope of 2 inch aperture and 30 inch focal length

Refracting telescope of 2 inch aperture and 30 inch focal length, engraved, 'Ramsden London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller of Edinburgh. A label in the transit box states that the telescope was made by Peter & John Dollond for Jesse Ramsden.

Extending Tube for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Extending Tube for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Extending tube for refracting telescope engraved 'Ramsden London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller of Edinburgh.

Measurements:
overall: 30 mm x 30 mm x 379 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
1906-71 Pt2/2
type:
tube
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Part of:
1906-71 pt2
Extending Tube for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Extending Tube for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Extending tube with screw fitting for refracting telescope engraved 'Ramsden London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller of Edinburgh.

Measurements:
overall: 37 mm x 37 mm x 242 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
1906-71 Pt2/3
type:
tube
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Part of:
1906-71 pt2
Extending Tube for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Extending Tube for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Extending tube with screw fitting for refracting telescope engraved 'Ramsden London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller of Edinburgh.

Measurements:
overall: 40 mm x 40 mm x 262 mm,
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
1906-71 Pt2/4
type:
tube
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Part of:
1906-71 pt2
Original Screws and Fittings for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Original Screws and Fittings for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Original screws and brass fittings for refracting telescope engraved 'Ramsden London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller of Edinburgh.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
1906-71 Pt2/5
type:
screws and hardware
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Part of:
1906-71 pt2
Lenses and Fittings for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

Lenses and Fittings for Refracting Telescope on Equatorial Stand

14 brass lenses and fittings for refracting telescope engraved 'Ramsden London' on an equatorial stand by John Miller of Edinburgh.

Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and glass
Object Number:
1906-71 Pt2/6
type:
hardware and lens
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Part of:
1906-71 pt2