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Microscope Museum Collection of antique microscopes and other
scientific instruments |
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Microscope
180 (JH
Steward; dichroscope; early 20th century)
James
Henry Steward (1818-1896) started his business in London in 1852. Although
his business started as retail business selling watches and firearms-related
optical equipment, the business grew to include telescopes, binoculars,
compasses, barometers, and microscopes, some of which he claimed to have
made. Over the years, Steward sold many instruments with their name on the
instruments, but many of these were made by others for Steward. The firm
traded from 406 Strand, London (1865 – c. 1915), 66 Strand (1868 – 1888), 457
Strand (1885 – c. 1920), with various other branches. As each of James’ sons
reached adulthood, they were given a subsidiary shop elsewhere in London to
manage, but the establishment at 406 Strand remained as the centre of the
business. After James’ death, the company continued (only being inherited
through the male line) until 1975. Microscope 180 is a dichroscope from JH
Steward and can be dated to the early 20th century (Figure 1). These
instruments are used to observe different colours or shades of crystals.
Figure
1.
The Steward dichroscope with a stone holder as engraved in an early 20th
century catalogue of the firm. References Dichroscope, J.H. Steward Ltd., London (https://www.mineralogy.eu/optical/dichroscopes/dichroscope_Steward.html), last
accessed on 18.04.2021 LAST
EDITED: 05.05.2021 |
