Name/Title
Lucernal MicroscopeEntry/Object ID
2013.3.49Description
The objects to be examined by the Lucernal microscope are illuminated by the light of a lamp or candle. In our instrument the arm for the lamp is in place but the lamp is missing. With this particular instrument there was purchased a large collection of natural history objects -- plant, animal, and mineral. Some of these objects are for transmitted light and some are in wooden troughs for reflected light.
The following directions (in part) came with the microscope:
First light the Lamp with the best oil and cotton for a steady and good light. Then slide the microscope firmly on its case. Slide out the small wood slider at the top end of the microscope cone, and push up the Shutter. Screw on the large end of the sliding brass tube to which fasten the sliding sight piece. Slip on the stage bar the two condensing lenses, the smallest one first. For opake objects place the ebony slider at the spring stage. Your face before the large condensing lenses and the roughed glass taken out, place the lamp on the left side of the microscope the flame being at the height of the object. Place the jointed adjusting handle at the right hand pinion and the plain one through the ring at the left hand side of the cone to the opposite square. [Note: In the photograph the handles are reversed.]
A beginner should use No. 6 magnifyer, an object being placed directly opposite to the magnifyer, move the light and condensing lenses so that the light may be fully and strongly condensed on the object. Now place your eye to the hole of the sight piece opposite to the centre of the large lenses and move the tube inwards or outwards, and the sight piece up or down, until you see the lenses filler, or diffused over with a vivid light. Move the tube of the magnifyer until the objects appear nearly distinct, then with your eye at the sight hole turn gently the stage adjusting rod until the objects appear the most distinct and best defined as possible. The effect will be very brilliant and striking the roughed glass being placed before the lenses, will receive the images of the objects on its surface and will enable a person to copy their outlines with a pencil.
The following is from a 3 x 6.25 inch, handmade, blue covered 20 page booklet of paper water-marked "4838." It was found in the tray of this microscope. Practically all of the specimens described are still extant and in fairly good condition. The date of the booklet gives some indication of the original purchase date of the Fall collection.Collection
Moosnick Museum - Scientific Apparatus