Naturalist’s Microscope

Naturalist’s Microscope

Naturalist’s microscope goes by a variety of names such as compass microscope, simple microscope, entomological microscope, flower microscope, pocket botanical microscope, and botanical microscope. It was introduced in the last years of the 18th century and was still being used 100 years later.

Naturalist’s microscope is brass with an ivory handle and a simple lens. The components fold up and store together in a leather-covered case 3″ long, 1 1/8,” x 7/8″ in cross section. A needle probe with a forceps to hold a specimen at one end may be inserted in a nut that tightens to hold it and loosens to be slid in a groove to focus it.