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Galezowski Tubular Ophthalmoscope
Galezowski Tubular Ophthalmoscope
This rare instrument and its description are seen here thanks to Dr. Rainer Tönnes, a physician and collector in Berlin, Germany.
“It is beautifully engraved:
Ophthalmoscope du Dr. Galezowski, Robert et Collin à Paris, No. 171, Breveté . s.g.d.g.
Xavier Galezowski (1832 – 1907) was a prominent ophthalmologist in Paris in the 19th century. For further information please have a look at whonamedit.com. He invented several ophthalmoscopes, this being his first model.
If you run a Google search you will not find a lot on this specific model as it is exceedingly rare. The “Museum of the History of Science” in Oxford has the only Galezowski tubular ophthalmoscope I have been able to find in a museum’s online database. Their example is later (serial number 279), made of lacquered metal, without a case and with a dent.
Here is a picture and a description of the device and its use in French language.
The manufacturer, “Robert et Collin à Paris” were the successors to the renowned “Maison Charrière” since 1866. According to Davis/Dreyfuss they published a catalogue in 1867. In 1876, the name had already changed to “Collin & Cie” so the instrument can be dated around 1870.
The instrument and its box are in excellent condition according to their age as can be seen inn the pictures. The suede leather lining of the box shows some stains. The remnants of a paper label with old handwriting inside the box can not be deciphered any more. The hinges are sturdy. A bit of the case’s leatherette covering is missing on one side as can be seen on a picture.
Please note: The one and only flaw of real importance is that the round movable disk with the mirror is missing. Furthermore, I am not 100% sure if something might be missing on the little fold-out rod made of blued steel. Personally, I guess not.”
