Signedunsigned
FunctionA compressorium is a device to compress or flatten a specimen by means of applying pressure. The compression enables some cellular structures to be better seen.
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 Since this microscope would have been out of date for Dr.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.