Credit: © The Royal Society
    Image number: RS.8460
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    Compound microscope

    Date
    ca. 1843
    Creator - Organisation
    Powell & Lealand, Instrument maker
    Object type
    Archive reference number
    Material
    Subject
    Physics
       > Optics
          > Microscopy
    Content object
    Description
    A compound microscope manufactured by Powell & Lealand. A cylindrical limb extends from the tripod base, supporting the optical components, including various lenses and the viewing stage. Two arms extend from this limb, supporting the ocular tube.

    The rear legs of the tripod inscribed: 'Royal' and 'Society'.

    In 1842 the Royal Society's Microscope Committee offered a prize of £100 for the best compound achromatic microscope to be delivered to their rooms in Somerset House by May 1843. The prize was awarded in June 1843 to 'Mr Powell', and this is thought to be the prize-winning instrument.

    Hugh Powell (1799-1883) British instrument maker was not a Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1841 he established the instrument making company Powell & Lealand with his brother in-law Peter Lealand (fl.1840s-50s). Created in 1842-3, this microscope is believed to be a product of both men's efforts.
    Object history
    Deposited with the Society by Powell & Lealand in 1843.
    Associated place
    <The World>
       > Europe
          > United Kingdom
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