Ellis Aquatic Microscope, Circa 1760-1770

So-called aquatic microscope invented by John Ellis around 1755 and then marketed by John Cuff. Our model is not signed but is of English manufacture, around 1760-1770. This revolutionary model of simple microscope had the great advantage of offering rapid horizontal and vertical movement of the objective holder. It was used by Ellis for observing aquatic objects and animals but is more generally used for natural history observations requiring low magnification. This copy is complete with its mirror, its plate (formerly restored), its lens holder and two lenses of different magnification fitted with their silver Lieberkuhn mirror. The set can be stored in its transport box in ray or shark skin lined with green velvet. Good working condition. The box measures 11x11 cm and the microscope about 16-17cm in height.