This all-brass, compound monocular microscope is a relatively simple design, its barrel shape based roughly on that of the well-known Cuff instruments. Its base is a folding tripod, with the mirror being attached to one of the legs. Focusing is by a screw mechanism attached to the pillar, which raises or lowers the stage. The stage is similar to the Cuff design and is equipped with a spring Bonanni stage. The tube support is hinged to allow the microscope to be rotated to the "aquatic" position (above right). The eyepiece is a typical Huygenian, two-lens optical system. An interesting optical addition to this microscope is the Martin "between-lens" found at the end of the objective snout. This microscope is approximately 33cm tall.

The sample forceps is the only accessory with this instrument. However, the stage design accommodates a fish plate and glass live phial. Imaging resolution with the single objective is approximately 10x total magnification.

A box of additional lenses and attachments allows changes according to the specimen to be viewed. Although it is not signed, a comparison with known Martin Universal Microscopes suggests that this microscope was made after 1759 by Benjamin Martin. Martin was apparently the first to use the term "Universal" to describe a microscope that can be used as a simple or compound microscope, in both the upright and "aquatic" (horizontal) position.