Portable microscope

The base has 3 interlaced curved legs surrounding a round central axis, which unfold to form a perfect tripod. On this central piece is the threaded pedestal. It comprises a cylinder of varying dimensions that continues into the pillar, the parts of which are joined together with an articulated joint system used to tilt the microscope. The pillar is cuboid and its upper part supports an elaborate stage with a rudimentary diaphragm system used to control light intensity. The pillar also has a support on which the tube and its lenses can be placed. At the base of the pillar is a device for putting the mirror in place.

Francis Watkins (c. 1723–85) was a London-based optician, writer, and scientific instrument maker. In 1754 he wrote the important book "L'exercice du microscope," in which he describes this compound microscope design. The idea was to create an easily foldable microscope so it could be stored in its case and was simple to handle and transport. This type of instrument is also called a "field microscope" and was widely used by naturalists and botanists. Other manufacturers, Benjamin Martin and George Adams, made well-known microscopes of this type. They also made their own versions, as in this example. However, they soon realized how fragile and flimsy the folding-leg system was and began to make their own improvements to the design.

Father and son George Adams "The Elder" (1708–73) and George Adams "The Younger" (1750–95) were scientific and mathematical instrument manufacturers who worked for King George III of England.