Simple Joblot-type Microscope, Late 18th Century

A simple, uncommon French-made microscope, whose general design and construction follow the forms introduced in the early 18th century by Joblot (see the two images from his 1718 work) and is similar to item number 291 in the Billing Collection (which is not its original case). The Billing catalog describes the microscope as follows: “Maker unknown; simple, before 1738. This instrument is made of one piece flat brass curved and bent in the center to form two plates, each 2-1/2 inches long. The lower plate has a 1/8-inch aperture and slide holder that is screwed to it. The upper plate has a milled-head screw for focusing and a 3/8-inch lens holder.” Of course, this microscope does not date from “before 1738” but is a later version of the Joblot designs. The present example is in perfect condition, preserved in its original case. The microscope measures 15.8 cm long and its case 10.6 × 5.9 × 2.7 cm.