Museu do Microscópio

Coleção de microscópios antigos e outros instrumentos científicos

Microscópio 635 (fabricante desconhecido; microscópio educativo acromático; finais do Séc. XIX)

O microscópio 635 é um microscópio composto simples, inclinável, que deverá datar do final do século XIX. O instrumento é provavelmente de origem francesa, embora o fabricante seja desconhecido. Um instrumento semelhante foi apresentado num catálogo de Benjamin Pike, nos Estados Unidos da América, onde era designado por microscópio educativo acromático (Figura 1). Nesse catálogo, do final do século XIX, a descrição deste microscópio era a seguinte: “This is a thoroughly well-made instrument of highly finished brass, and is furnished with two eyepieces, the lenses of which are accurately ground and centered, and which, in connection with the ¼ inch achromatic combination objective which accompanies it, form a microscope of great value for botanical, geological and other scientific observations. The instrument is about 12 inches in height, heavy, firm and substantial in all its parts, so that a higher power objective can be used with it when necessary. The coarse adjustment by means of rack and pinion is smooth and steady in its action, and the body of the instrument can be inclined for convenience in use. Attached to the body is a condensing Lens for use in the illumination of opaque objects, and its magnifying mirror can be moved in any direction. The achromatic objective which belongs to it can be taken apart, and either of its three Lenses used separately or together, thus varying its power from about 50 to 300 diameters. It is packed in a handsomely polished Walnut Case...”.

Figura 1. Microscópio educativo acromático tal como retratado num catálogo de Benjamin Pike (c. 1890).