Abbe testing plate
Date: circa 1960
Inventory Number: 1997-1-2186
Classification: Microscope Accessory
Subject:
Maker: Wild Heerbrugg Ltd. (1921 - 1989)
Supplier: Wild Heerbrugg Instruments Inc. (founded circa 1955)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
slide: 0.2 × 7.6 × 2.6 cm (1/16 × 3 × 1 in.)
case: 2.3 × 8.7 × 5.3 cm (7/8 × 3 7/16 × 2 1/16 in.)
Material:
Description:
The Abbe testing plate is a rectangular glass slide with a ruler. The ruler is marked with major divisions at 0.10 and 0.20. There is also a diaphragm (a black metal disc with wedge removed).
The items are stored in a rectangular flat faux leather case with felt lining.
The items are stored in a rectangular flat faux leather case with felt lining.
In Collection(s)
Signedon right side of glass slide: WILD / HEERBRUGG
Inscribedon left side of glass slide: Abbe's / Test-Plate
FunctionAn Abbe testing plate is designed as a means for checking the spherical and chromatic corrections of microscope objective. Also, they make it possible to determine the cover glass thickness for which the spherical correction of an objective is best.
Abbe testing plates are used in conjuction with bright illumination and a powerful light piece of at least 10x.
Abbe testing plates are used in conjuction with bright illumination and a powerful light piece of at least 10x.
Historical AttributesOn September 2, 1960, David P. Wheatland ordered a Wild research microscope, model M20 KGS along with a comprehensive assortment of accessories and nearly all the attachments offered. He told the Wild vendor that:
"It is intended to use all thse for comparison, demonstration, and some for investigation. Eventually perhaps other basic instruments may be ordered and the accessories distributed among them. We are anxious therefore to have the list as complete as possible to make all the tests and optical experiments."
DPW also ordered a complete set of brochures for the library.
The initial cost of the purchase was $6000.
"It is intended to use all thse for comparison, demonstration, and some for investigation. Eventually perhaps other basic instruments may be ordered and the accessories distributed among them. We are anxious therefore to have the list as complete as possible to make all the tests and optical experiments."
DPW also ordered a complete set of brochures for the library.
The initial cost of the purchase was $6000.
Curatorial RemarksThe original invoice for the Wild M20 compound microscope (in file) contains 152 items. Most accessories are catalogued under CHSI inventory numbers running from 1997-1-2062 to 1997-1-2223, and are stored separately. The microscope stand is 1997-1-0722 and the case is 1997-1-0723. All items are linked together in the Object Package "Wild M20."
Primary SourcesWild Heerbrugg, General Purpose and Research Microscope, WILD M20, pamphlet Mi 604 e (Heerbrugg, Switzerland, 1956).