Microscope

Two sets of lenses magnified tiny things such as cells and fibers, and a focus knob made the image sharp.

Date: ca 1890
Maker: R. & J. Beck
Place: United Kingdom: England, London
Materials: brass (overall material); glass (overall material)
Dimensions: case: 17 in x 9 11/16 in x 7 13/16 in; 43.18 cm x 24.60625 cm x 19.84375 cm; microscope: 14 5/8 in x 8 in x 6 7/8 in; 37.1475 cm x 20.32 cm x 17.4625 cm
Museum: National Museum of American History
Credit line: U.S. Military Academy

Beck’s Improved National Monocular Microscope is a compound instrument with coarse and fine focus, circular stage, sub-stage bar that holds condenser and mirror and that can swing around the stage, inclination joint, and tri-leg base. This example came from the U.S. Military Academy. The inscription on the base reads “R. & J. BECK / LONDON & PHILADELPHIA.” The serial number 10198 appears on the back of one foot. There is a strong wooden box, and small wooden box holding 3 objectives and 3 eyepieces.

R. & J. Beck began in business, as such, in 1865, and by 1877 had established an American shop under the leadership of W. H. Walmsley.

Ref: R. & J. Beck, An Illustrated Catalogue of Microscopes and Accessories (Philadelphia, 1891), pp. 18-19.

The museum's own record (Smithsonian, National Museum of American History)