Dowling - Traveling Microscope, Circa 1825

Small, medium-sized travel microscope, signed "W. Dowling Lincolns Inn London" and bearing the same maker's label. According to Gloria Clifton, Dowling was active at this address between 1825 and 1830. This model of small travel and natural history microscope was invented by Charles Gould around 1825 and mainly marketed by John Carry. It was copied by all the English and French manufacturers of the time. However, it is rare to find signatures of other makers strictly contemporary with Gould's invention. This microscope is the medium-sized model, second size, of the three designed by Gould and Cary. It is fairly complete and in perfect working order. It retains three optics, its stage-mounting clamp, its stage, a circular livebox, its mirror, a glass stage, a black glass stage, and three bone preparations. The whole is kept in its mahogany box (small wood loss at the closure).