This ivory screwbarrel microscope was made c1720 by Edward Scarlett (c1677–1743) in his shop the Archimedes and Globe on Dean Street, near St. Anne's Church, Soho, London. Scarlett (along with Edmund Culpeper) was one of the first opticians to make and sell screwbarrel microscopes shortly after James Wilson introduced it to the Royal Society in 1702. Scarlett made numerous other optical instruments, including a variation of Culpeper's tripod microscope. After Scarlett's death, his son, Ed. Scarlett Jr (1702–1779) took over the shop and continued to make instruments, mainly telescopes, until 1779. Few Edward Scarlett Sr. instruments remain today.
This instrument in the Golub Collection is especially rare because it is a complete set as manufactured by Scarlett; including two instruction manuals, one in English the other in French. Interstingly, the forceps plus Black/White disc included as an accessory to this Scarlett set appears to have been made by Edmund Culpeper. The set can be stored in a wood case covered in blackened ray skin. 2 3/4".
Featured 01/2011