Accession No
3946
Brief Description
illustrated description of the aquatic microscope, by John Cuff, English, 1745
Origin
England; London; Fleet Street
Maker
Cuff, John
Class
prints; microscopes
Earliest Date
1745
Latest Date
1745
Inscription Date
Material
paper; wood; card; glass
Dimensions
breadth 497mm; height 355mm
Special Collection
Provenance
Inscription
‘A
DESCRIPTION
OF THE
AQUATIC MICROSCOPE,
Made and Sold by John Cuff, opposite Searjeant’s Inn Gate,
in Fleet-street, London.’ (top left)
Description Notes
Double spread, left side printed with key and a description to accompany diagram of the microscope on right side. Slight yellowing of paper. Mounted and framed.
Condition good; complete
References
Events
Description
Growing interest throughout the eighteenth century in natural history, and more particularly in pond-life, stimulated the development of the “Aquatic” microscope. This was initially designed by John Ellis (1710 - 1776) and is therefore often referred to as the “Ellis Aquatic”.
Ellis, a peripatetic naturalist, commissioned his first instrument in 1752 from John Cuff. It was designed to hold small samples of pond-water on a watch-glass stage. In this way the microscopic creatures contained in it could be observed. Several of these microscopes have dissecting tools as part of the kits and could also be used for microscopic dissection.
FM:40945
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