Hartnack microscope binocular head
Date: circa 1875
Inventory Number: 1145b
Classification: Microscope Accessory
Subject:
Maker: E. Hartnack et Cie (founded 1872)
Owner: William Sturgis Bigelow (1850 - 1926)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
binocular head: 15.5 × 9.5 × 4.5 cm (6 1/8 × 3 3/4 × 1 3/4 in.)
case: 6.5 × 23 × 11.5 cm (2 9/16 × 9 1/16 × 4 1/2 in.)
box: 17.8 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm (7 × 14 × 9 in.)
Accessories: matching oculars (2); case
Description:
This is a Hartnack & Cie. binocular head to convert a monocular compound microscope for binocular use. A trapezoidal box of darkened brass houses rack and pinion to alter the interocular distance of the two eyepiece tubes. The adjustment is made by a knurled screw on the outside of the box. The binocular tubes are darkened brass, too, and contain a matching set of eyepieces.
The instrument comes with a fitted wood case covered in green leather. The interior compartments are cushioned by purple velvet faded to taupe. The lid is padded and covered faded purple silk, which is shredded in places. The sides of the box interior are lined with cardstock covered in purple silk. The brass hardware is covered by purple ribbon.
The instrument comes with a fitted wood case covered in green leather. The interior compartments are cushioned by purple velvet faded to taupe. The lid is padded and covered faded purple silk, which is shredded in places. The sides of the box interior are lined with cardstock covered in purple silk. The brass hardware is covered by purple ribbon.
Signedon instrument: E. Hartnack et Cie. / Place Dauphine, 21 / Paris
Historical AttributesDr. William Sturgis Bigelow (MD 1874, Harvard Medical School) was continuing his medical trainng in Paris under Louis Pasteur in 1875, when he bought this binocular head. He might have taken it with him to Japan in 1881.
Curatorial RemarksAccording to file, this was received by Dr. Ernst in 1921, but not catalogued then. Later it became no. 146 in the Ernst-Lewis Collection. Even later it was put with 1145, and became 1145b. 1146 was reassigned to a different instrument.
ProvenanceDr. William Sturgis Bigelow, purchased in Paris, 1875; Ernst-Lewis Collection, Harvard Medical School, 1921.