Compound microscope

At the top is a tube with a sliding eyepiece that has micrometer markings for fine focusing. At the bottom is a revolver to alternate between 2 lenses. The tube moves under friction inside a drum. The drum is attached to the back polygonal pillar and can be moved slightly using a screw at the very top. The pillar also supports the quadrangular stage, which has a central hole allowing light to pass through and 2 clips to hold the slide in place. Below the stage is a plano-concave mirror, held by an arm extending from the bottom of the pillar. The microscope body sits on the tripod base and has a screw allowing the instrument to tilt. A semicircular arc behind the 3 legs bears the manufacturer's inscription: "J. SWIFT & SON. LONDON."

This model was specially commissioned for the 1901–04 British National Antarctic "Discovery" Expedition to the South Pole. This was the microscope used by Sir Robert F. Scott during the voyage.