[M] A 'MOST IMPROVED' MICROSCOPE BY GEORGE ADAMS JUNIOR, LONDON, CIRCA 1795

A 'MOST IMPROVED' MICROSCOPE BY GEORGE ADAMS JUNIOR, LONDON, CIRCA 1795

constructed in lacquered brass and signed on the foot Adams London, 6in tube with six button objectives, sprung stage with Lieberkuhn, plano-convex mirror, contained in fitted wooden box with some accessories and sliding drawer containing approximately 40 annotated slides covered in blue paper -- assembled height 18in. (46cm.); box 13½in. (34cm.) wide

Dr. Mill notes:

The family firm of Adams was one of the most illustrious makers of instruments in the 18th century. George Adams Snr 1709-1772 was the celebrated supplier of scientific instruments to George III and on his death he was succeeded by George Adams Jnr (1750-1810) The firm made an enormous range of instruments including fine microscopes. These included a culpepper type and two types of Adams' own devising- the Improved and the Most improved of which this is an example. On George's death at 45 a struggle developed between his mother Ann, supported by his brother Dudley, and George Jnr’s wife Hannah and the business was split. After a short period Hannah abandoned her part of the business selling much of it to J & S Jones. Dudley continued under the Adams name. W & S Jones continued to develop and make instruments of this type with such publicity that they are commonly referred to as “ Jones (Most) Improved”.

The early illustrations of the Adams type differ from the later Johns version notably in the shape of the tube and the carrying of the objectives in a rotating wheel on the Jones type.

This example falls between the two. The tube has the form shown in the Johns illustration but the lenses are of the Adams form.

The signature Adams London is normally considered the form used by Dudley Adams after 1795. The Adams business ended in bankruptcy in 1817.

The microscope is accompanied by 6 button objectives and accessories such as a frog plate and Lieberkuhn.

Ref: Millburn J.R., 2000, “Adams of Fleet Street”

Condition Report

Generally good condition. Some minor wear to lacquer on foot. Case lid with chipped veneer and owner's plate missing. Various components missing.

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