compressorium
Date1862
Inventory Number1157g
ClassificationMicroscope Accessory
Subject
Maker
Nachet et Fils (I)
fl. 1862 - 1880
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions2.7 × 11.4 × 3.3 cm (1 1/16 × 4 1/2 × 1 5/16 in.)
Material
Description1157 is a fine example of the type of compound microscope that Nachet et Fils called the "grand modèle." For descriptive purposes and better comparison with a similar but not identical, early "grand modèle" by Nachet, the assembly is divided into these components, each with their own images and written details:
1157a: the microscope with eyepieces
1157b: box of objectives and condensers
1157c: microscope case and parts box, with diverse accessories
1157d: box of slides
1157e: bull's eye condenser
1157f: Amici illuminating prism, Nachet-style
1157g: compressorium
1157h: manuscripts found in case
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1157g is a compressorium. The plate is octagonal and has a darkened surface and bright brass edges. There is a large window in the center of the plate. On one side of the plate there is a bevel around this aperture. On the other side there are two upright posts and a device to flatten down a specimen over the hole. This device has a fork-mounted flat ring of brass. Its arm is attached to a spring. A knurled screw adjusts the pressure.
1157a: the microscope with eyepieces
1157b: box of objectives and condensers
1157c: microscope case and parts box, with diverse accessories
1157d: box of slides
1157e: bull's eye condenser
1157f: Amici illuminating prism, Nachet-style
1157g: compressorium
1157h: manuscripts found in case
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1157g is a compressorium. The plate is octagonal and has a darkened surface and bright brass edges. There is a large window in the center of the plate. On one side of the plate there is a bevel around this aperture. On the other side there are two upright posts and a device to flatten down a specimen over the hole. This device has a fork-mounted flat ring of brass. Its arm is attached to a spring. A knurled screw adjusts the pressure.
Signedunsigned
FunctionA compressorium is a device to compress or flatten a specimen by means of applying pressure. The compression enables some cellular structures to be better seen.
ProvenanceDr. Algernon S. Coolidge, Sr, Harvard Medical School; Dr. Algernon S. Coolidge, Jr, Harvard Medical School; Dr. Edward D. Churchill, before 1940; gift to Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes (inv. no. 157), Harvard Medical School, 1940.
Historical AttributesFormerly Ernst-Lewis collection no. 157.
Dr. Lewis notes: "From Dr. Edward D. Churchill in 1940. It came to him from the heirs of Dr. Algernon Coolidge, and possibly belonged to his father [Dr. Algernon Coolidge. Senior]. The brass trimmed mahogany box with full equipment was in its leather case. Since this microscope would have been out of date for Dr. Coolidge Jr. (AB 1881; MD 1886; Professor of Laryngology, 1911-1925), it in all probability belonged to his father, Algernon Coolidge, MD 1853, University Lecturer 2nd half 1867-1868, Instructor in Pathological Anatomy, 1865; Lecturer on Tumors, 1868-1869, in connection with which this microscope would have been excellent equipment."
Nachet et Fils (I)
Date: 1862
Accessories: 1 cup diaphragm, 1 diffuser; camera lucida; stage and eyepiece micrometers; liquid trough; 3 dissecting knives; prepared slides in box (1157d); 3 prepared slides loose; plain slides; cover glasses; bull's eye on jointed arm(1157e); Amici's illuminator prism with stand (1157f); compressorium (1157g); case with parts box (1157c).
Object number: 1157c
Nachet et Fils (I)
Date: 1862
Accessories: 6 objectives in box (1157b) with 1 substage condenser; oblique prism condenser; 3 oculars; 1 cup diaphragm, 1 diffuser, ; camera lucida; stage and eyepiece micrometers; liquid trough; 3 dissecting knives; prepared slides in box (1157d); plain slides; cover glasses; bull's eye on jointed arm(1157e); Amici's illuminator prism with stand (1157f); compressorium (1157g); case with parts box (1157c).
Object number: 1157a
Nachet et Fils (I)
Date: 1862
Accessories: 6 objectives in box (1157b) with 1 substage condenser; oblique prism condenser
Object number: 1157b
Nachet et Fils (I)
Date: 1862-1880
Accessories: 5 objectives (11.5 mm) in leather-covered box (1025b): 1, 3, 5, 5, 7 immersion; 4 oculars: 1, 2, 3, no #; bull's eye on articulated stand (1025d); mahogany parts box (1025c with dissecting instruments: 6 needles, 2 scalpels, scissors, tweezers, 4 slides, box of cover glasses, 2 cup diaphragms, 1 diffuser ; flat case with fine lock, no key.
Object number: 1025a
Nachet et Fils (I)
Date: 1862-1880
Object number: 1025b
