Compound microscope

Compound microscope comprising a cardboard body-tube covered in tortoiseshell; the eyepiece and objective mounts are made of ivory (lenses missing). The instrument is mounted on a round brass base, whose center carries the stage. The latter is pressed by a spring against a ring-shaped plate, which is moved vertically for focusing by turning the octagonal knob at the top of the side pillar. The pillar holding the body-tube is fitted with similar mechanism to allow vertical travel. In order to use this instrument, it was necessary to turn it toward a source of light. The construction features suggest a maker working in Italy, possibly Pietro Patroni or François de Baillou. Provenance: Lorraine collections.