Binocular compound microscope

The top 2 thirds of the tube branch into 2 and there are 2 eyepieces at the ends. The lens is at the bottom, where there is also a device to stop light entering the tube. The tube is fastened to the back pillar with a rack mechanism that moves it vertically using 2 side screws for coarse focusing. Fine focusing is achieved with a side screw at the bottom of the tube. The pillar continues into a curved arm that holds the fixed circular stage in the middle. It has a central hole and a mechanism that enables the sample to be manually moved. The arm is supported completely horizontally on a pedestal by an articulated screw. The pedestal is tripod-shaped with 2 separate front legs and a double one at the back forming an arch. The arch bears the manufacturer's inscription: "J. Swift. 43 University St. London W.C."

This foot is similar to those made by Henry Crouch. James Powell Swift was an apprentice to Andrew Ross and worked with him until 1853. In 1854 he started his own business and, in 1872, he moved the company to University Street in London. This model dates from that period, as shown by its inscription. James' son, Mansell James Swift, started working with him in 1877 and, from then on, they began signing their instruments "James Swift & Son." After James Powell Swift died in 1906, his son and grandson continued to run the business well into the 20th century, until the start of the Second World War.