Culpeper Compound Microscope
$48,500.00
Edmund Culpeper
Circa 1730
This extraordinary early 18th-century microscope is a museum-worthy example of scientific innovation and craftsmanship made by Edmund Culpeper, who is widely regarded as the most influential maker of scientific instruments in the early 18th century. The design reflects a clear lineage from Yarwell’s 1683 tripod microscope, placing it among the most important early 18th-century microscopes. Housed in its original oak pillar case and accompanied by Culpeper’s trade card bearing crossed daggers, the instrument exemplifies the golden age of British optical craftsmanship.
The microscope focuses with vertical movement and showcases an ebonised and turned wood ocular support and shagreen on the outer tube. It stands on three Culpeper-style tripod supports above a circular stage and concave mirror. The case's fitted drawer includes an acorn eyepiece threaded cap, a botanical specimen in a wooden mount, a prepared slide of Globigerina ooze collected by HMS Challenger in the Pacific on March 21, 1875 (station 224), several bone-mounted specimens and an empty wooden mount.
Edmund Culpeper (1660–1738) revolutionized microscope design. While he did not invent the tripod microscope, his refinement of it was so influential that the design became known as the “Culpeper-style.” Based in London’s Moorfields and later Cornhill, Culpeper advertised a wide range of microscopes from 1710 onward, serving a growing class of natural philosophers and physicians. His work advanced microscopy during a period of expanding scientific curiosity and discovery.
Case: 17 1/2" high x 7 3/4" diameter
Exhibited:
The Zuylenburgh Collection, Netherlands