Cuff Type Microscope Signed Dollond C.1765

CUFF type microscope signed DOLLOND London C 1765 The square mahogany base supports the brass body of the microscope constructed from a conical pillar with two screws for adjustment and focusing with a scroll finger rest at the base, and a concave plane mirror, the drawer below containing a number of accessories with two additional objectives, a brass fishbone, a clamp. The microscope is contained in a pyramidal case, with a drawer at the base containing spectacles and accessories. John Dollond (1706-1761) was a renowned English optician and instrument maker who made significant contributions to the field of optics, particularly in the development of the achromatic lens for microscopes and telescopes. John Dollond was born on 10 June 1706 in London, England. He came from a Huguenot family and his father was a silk weaver. Although he did not receive a formal education in optics, he developed an early interest in science and mechanics. Dollond is best known for perfecting the achromatic lens, which greatly improved the quality of images produced by optical instruments such as microscopes and telescopes. An achromatic lens combines two different types of glass to minimize chromatic aberration (color distortion), resulting in clearer, sharper images. In 1758, Dollond patented the design of the achromatic lens, an advancement that greatly improved the capabilities of optical instruments. John Dollond's achromatic lens design was so revolutionary that it led to legal disputes with other lens manufacturers who attempted to duplicate his invention. These disputes ultimately resulted in a landmark decision in Dollond's favor in 1760, upholding his patent rights. His contributions to optics led to his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1761. The firm of John Dollond, Dollond & Aitchison, which he founded with his son Peter Dollond, became famous for producing high-quality microscopes and telescopes with achromatic objectives. These instruments were widely used by scientists, astronomers and researchers during the 18th century.