box of objectives for Nachet large compound microscope
Date: 1862
Inventory Number: 1157b
Classification: Microscope Objective
Dimensions:case: 4.2 × 11 × 6 cm (1 5/8 × 4 5/16 × 2 3/8 in.)
Accessories: 6 objectives in box (1157b) with 1 substage condenser; oblique prism condenser
Description1157 is a fine example of the type of compound microscope that Nachet et Fils called the "grand modèle." For descriptive purposes and better comparison with a similar but not identical, early "grand modèle" by Nachet, the assembly is divided into these components, each with their own images and written details:
1157a: the microscope with eyepieces
1157b: box of objectives and condensers
1157c: microscope case and parts box, with diverse accessories
1157d: box of slides
1157e: bull's eye condenser
1157f: Amici illuminating prism, Nachet-style
1157g: compressorium
1157h: manuscripts found in case
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1157b is a little box with six objectives (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7) plus a Nachet oblique prism and a substage condenser. The objectives have screw caps marked with their numbers. Objectives no. 3, 5, and 7 are signed "Nachet à Paris."
The Nachet oblique prism condenser and the other condenser are designed to slip into the cup-diaphragm holder on the microscope's substage assembly.
The box in which these are stored is made of wood covered with black leather. It is lined with red velvet. It has a push-button latch.
Signedon objectives 3, 5, and 7: NACHET / à / Paris
Historical AttributesFormerly Ernst-Lewis collection no. 157.
Dr. Lewis notes: "From Dr. Edward D. Churchill in 1940. It came to him from the heirs of Dr. Algernon Coolidge, and possibly belonged to his father [Dr. Algernon Coolidge. Senior]. The brass trimmed mahogany box with full equipment was in its leather case. Since this microscope would have been out of date for Dr. Coolidge Jr. (AB 1881; MD 1886; Professor of Laryngology, 1911-1925), it in all probability belonged to his father, Algernon Coolidge, MD 1853, University Lecturer 2nd half 1867-1868, Instructor in Pathological Anatomy, 1865; Lecturer on Tumors, 1868-1869, in connection with which this microscope would have been excellent equipment."
Primary SourcesMaison Nachet & Fils Fabrique d'Instruments de Micrographie (Paris, 1872), 6, 26.
On Nachet's oblique illuminating prism, and on Nachet's mounting of Amici's illuminating prism, see John Quekett, Practical Treatise on the Use of the Microscope, 2nd ed. (1852), 119-120, 204.
ProvenanceDr. Algernon S. Coolidge, Sr, Harvard Medical School; Dr. Algernon S. Coolidge, Jr, Harvard Medical School; Dr. Edward D. Churchill, before 1940; gift to Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes (inv. no. 157), Harvard Medical School, 1940.